KOTA KINABALU: July 6, 2026 — Two public rallies with opposing agendas took place simultaneously in Kota Kinabalu city centre on Saturday, with the overall situation remaining under control and without any untoward incidents.
The Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 (Sabah Anti-Corruption Rally 3.0), organised by a coalition of student activists and civil society organisations, saw approximately 20 to 30 participants dressed in yellow march from Suria Sabah to Dataran Todak Waterfront. Meanwhile, the Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 (Rise Up Sabahan 2.0) rally gathered about 600 participants dressed in black who marched from Wisma Merdeka towards Dataran Deasoka.
Calls for institutional reform
Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0, led by Suara Mahasiswa UMS (UMS Student Voice) and the Sabah chapter of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH), presented four main demands to the government.
Suara Mahasiswa President, Fidaa’ Ahmad Fahmi, stated that the first demand was for the immediate prosecution of 11 Sabah State Assemblymen allegedly involved in a corruption scandal related to mineral exploration licences. According to him, those named in the controversy should be investigated and charged if sufficient evidence exists, as delays would only erode public confidence in the rule of law and the integrity of public institutions.
The second demand called for the immediate enactment of political financing laws to enhance transparency and accountability in politics. The third demand emphasised the elimination of nepotism and cronyism in government appointments and public projects. Fidaa’ said many Sabahan youths continue to face difficulties securing employment and economic opportunities despite being qualified, while projects and contracts are often seen to benefit individuals with political or familial connections.
The fourth demand was for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations involving what the organisers referred to as a “corporate mafia” within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Fidaa’ said the group wanted an independent inquiry to ensure the anti-graft agency remained free from external influence and capable of carrying out its duties impartially.
Momentum of the anti-corruption movement
Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 is a continuation of previous anti-corruption rallies. Gempur Rasuah Sabah 1.0 was first held on 31 December 2024, followed by Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 on 21-22 June 2025. The announcement of Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 was made in May 2026 by the demonstration secretariat, comprising Suara Mahasiswa UMS and BERSIH Sabah, citing dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in the Sabah assemblymen corruption scandal.
Student activist Akmal Rizal stressed that the rally was organised independently by students, youth activists and civil society members, and was not funded by any political party. “We came down on our own capacity, not funded by any political party. We are also prepared to cooperate if investigated over allegations of receiving funds from any party,” he said.
“Today, students, youth, NGO representatives and the people of Sabah have taken to the streets to declare our stance that we reject corruption in all its forms in this state,” said Akmal.
Expressing support for the state government
The Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 rally, organised by the Malaysian People’s Power Movement (G57), was held to express support for the Sabah government and as a response to protest movements that have taken place in Sabah recently.
Rally adviser Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said the programme was held to express the stance of the people who want peace in Sabah. According to him, the rally also aimed to prevent the recurrence of provocative acts such as the burning of posters of Sabah leaders.
He claimed that Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 was only attended by about 20 to 30 participants and described its reception as not receiving the support expected by the organisers. “We are holding this rally to express our love for Sabah because we want peace. We could also hold demonstrations like them, but the question is what the purpose of that demonstration is,” he said.
“This is the message we want to convey to those who are trying to destabilise Sabah,” he added.
Participants of Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 also expressed support for the state government’s leadership on the grounds of stability and peace in Sabah. According to reports, G57 stated that the main objective of their rally was to counter Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0, claiming that previous anti-corruption demonstrations had introduced tactics “that were previously uncommon in Sabah,” including the burning of political posters.
Police control ensures peaceful situation
Both rallies, which took place at separate locations, were monitored by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers and proceeded peacefully without any untoward incidents. Although participants from both rallies were in close proximity to each other—with the Bangkit Sabahan group making a brief detour to Suria Sabah shopping mall, approximately 400 metres from the Gempur Rasuah 3.0 rally location—police successfully ensured they did not encounter each other.
Both groups chanted slogans, while the Bangkit Sabahan group also beat drums and kompang (traditional frame drums). Both rallies ended at about 5pm.
The organisers of Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 said participants would remain at Dataran Todak Waterfront overnight as part of their protest, with a series of activities and symbolic programmes planned before the rally ends on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 rally dispersed after speeches were concluded.
Note: This report is based on information from Borneo Post Online, Free Malaysia Today, New Straits Times, Malay Mail and Utusan Malaysia dated 4-5 July 2026.
