4 days ago
Over 6,000 brave rain in Keningau rally demanding justice for Zara
Annuar sits with the crowd.
KENINGAU (Aug 17): A light drizzle did not dampen the spirit of more than 6,000 people who gathered at the Keningau Sports Complex field in a historic and emotionally charged rally, 'Justice for Zara,' demanding justice for the late Zara Qairina Mahathir on Saturday.
The peaceful assembly, regarded as one of the most significant ever organised in Sabah, was marked by powerful expressions of solidarity, patriotism and a united call to uphold the rule of law.
Community activist Alphonsus Felix Manjin described the gathering as unprecedented.
'In my view, this was the best peaceful gathering ever held in Keningau. The huge turnout and the spirit of solidarity among the people made it a great success,' he said.
The rally reached moving heights when both the national anthem Negaraku and Sabah's state anthem Sabah Tanah Airku were sung. Alphonsus said the anthems carried deep meaning, igniting patriotism and underscoring the people's demand for justice.
'The justice we seek is not only for young Zara, but also for the injustices long endured by the people of Sabah since the formation of Malaysia. The gathering was no coincidence — I believe it was by God's will that this issue has been lifted up,' he added.
The event also saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister I and Keningau Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, and Liawan Assemblyman, Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman. Their attendance sent a strong message that the struggle for justice is shared by both leaders and the people.
When met, Annuar described the rally as a reflection of the people's conscience.
'This assembly is not just a voice, but a cry from the heart for the late Zara Qairina. No more children must fall victim to cruelty. Justice must be served,' he said.
Annuar's decision to sit on the field together with the attendees, setting aside rank and political differences, drew warm reactions from netizens. Social media comments described him as 'truly caring,' 'a leader of the people,' and 'humble enough to sit with everyone, even in the rain.'
Participants at the rally also questioned the relevance of the Rukun Negara's principle of Kedaulatan Undang-Undang (The Rule of Law), asking what value it holds if not respected.
'Where has the principle of the Rule of Law gone? What is the point of proclaiming it if it is not upheld? What meaning does an agreement have if it is not honoured? Laws are promises that must be respected,' Alphonsus stressed.
Observers noted that the massive turnout and the rain-soaked chants of solidarity reflected a broader message, that justice for Zara represents justice for every child in Sabah, and by extension, for all children in Malaysia.
From the wet field of Keningau, a resounding message echoed far beyond district borders: 'Justice for Zara is justice for all.'
