KOTA KINABALU: Those planning solidarity rallies for the late Zara Qairina Mahathir should be allowed to go ahead with the events, even on National Day (Sunday, Aug 31), says Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister I said it is their right, and the state understands their reasons for wanting to hold such events.
“My personal opinion is that we let them have their rallies, and we will adjust our programmes accordingly to avoid any untoward incidents,” he said when asked about a planned "No Justice No Merdeka" in the state on Sunday.
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Kitingan said what was more important was for peace to prevail, and if the organisers use the space and platform to speak without creating chaos, then there should not be any problem.
“We respect their intentions,” he said, adding that he was made to understand that similar rallies were being planned nationwide.
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These peaceful rallies have been held in various districts and states following the death of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina the day after she was found unconscious on the ground floor of her hostel at a religious school in Papar on July 16.
Rally participants have called for justice for Zara Qairina and for her bullies to be punished.
Five teenagers have been charged at the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court in connection with the case.
