Latest news with #Noridi
Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Rival groups again hold rallies
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus, Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Demonstrators rally outside Center Point shopping mall. Kota Kinabalu: The Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (Gammas) reaffirmed its strong support for the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, citing numerous contributions to the state's development and the welfare of youth and students. Organizer Noridi @ Noraidi Maya said Gammas members, particularly students, have directly benefited from initiatives introduced under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan (GRS-PH) government. 'We support Hajiji's leadership because he has brought significant change and progress to Sabah. "Students have received various forms of assistance such as the Sentosa aid (RM300), Budi aid (RM1,500–RM2,000), Subfly travel ticket subsidies, scholarships, and laptop assistance,' Noridi said during a peaceful rally at Taman Chong Thien Vun, Saturday. He also thanked Hajiji for thwarting an alleged cartel that attempted to monopolise Sabah's mineral resources. Gammas urged all parties to stop politicising the ongoing case involving mineral licences in Sabah, particularly those linked to the cartel. The group said investigations should be left to the proper authorities such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police. Advertisement Noridi also called on the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of a Political Funding Act to prevent future cases of corruption linked to political donations or campaign financing. 'We don't want good politicians to be dragged into corruption cases simply because they're trying to raise funds to help their constituents. "Many rural communities turn to their elected representatives for help during emergencies like death, fires, and floods. The absence of clear laws on political donations opens the door to abuse,' he said. Commenting on longstanding issues such as water, electricity, and roads in Sabah, Noridi said these are legacy problems that should not be overly politicised. 'We urge the public to support the government's development plans rather than use these issues to sow division,' said Noridi. Meanwhile, hundreds of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, together with youth groups and civil society organisations, marched through the streets of the city centre, Saturday, in a demonstration known as Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0. President of Suara Mahasiswa Sabah Fadhil Kasim said the protest called for government accountability, stronger anti-corruption reforms and urgent resolution to long-standing infrastructure issues affecting the campus. The march began at Suria Sabah and moved through Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu, Anjung Kinabalu, Centre Point, and BKK, before concluding at Lintasan Deasoka on Gaya Street. Despite persistent rain, the crowd remained spirited, chanting and holding up handmade banners throughout the two-hour procession. He condemned the ongoing water supply crisis at UMS. 'We have endured long enough without water. This problem has gone on for years,' he said. Fadhil criticised the explanation by the Sabah State Water Department, which attributed the issue to a misunderstanding. 'They say it's a misunderstanding, but is it a misunderstanding when students can't shower for days and have to collect rainwater? Is that acceptable? No!' he said. The student body again demanded that UMS initiate legal action against the Sabah State Water Department, dismissing the university's claim that it could not sue due to 'government-to-government' protocol. He also called for reform of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), urging for it to become an independent body with bipartisan parliamentary oversight. 'We want the MACC to be a truly independent agency, as promised in election manifestos. But today, that promise has not been fulfilled.' He said while the rally remained peaceful, tensions briefly rose when several unknown individuals appeared with banners claiming they had been paid to participate. The protesters firmly denied the accusation. 'For the first time, we received a written response from the District Police Chief allowing this gathering,' he said, who praised the cooperation shown by police enforcement. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Students deny payment claims at anti-corruption rally
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey, Crystal Hermenegildus Text Size: Noridi (left) and Fadhil KOTA KINABALU: A brief commotion occurred during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally on Saturday after Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students were accused of being paid to participate. Led by Suara Mahasiswa Sabah's Fadhil Kasim, hundreds marched through the city to demand action on corruption and long-standing water issues affecting their campus. Protesters urged UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and called for a fully independent MACC with bipartisan parliamentary oversight. The rally remained peaceful despite the rain, with participants moving from Suria Sabah to Lintasan Deasoka. The two-day event included forums and performances, with Fadhil pledging continued student activism for Sabah's future. Separately, the Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (Gammas) reiterated its support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership. Advertisement Gammas organiser Noridi @ Noraidi Maya praised Hajiji's student aid programmes and his role in blocking an alleged 'cartel' from dominating Sabah's mineral sector. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Two student rallies in KK highlight diverging views on governance and corruption
UMS students making their way to Lintasan Deasoka during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): Two peaceful rallies were held simultaneously in the state capital on Saturday, each delivering contrasting messages on governance and student concerns. The first rally, involving nearly 200 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students from the Suara Mahasiswa group, was held under the banner of Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, an anti-corruption movement. The second rally, staged by around 50 individuals from Mahasiswa Dan Anak Muda Sabah, voiced support for the State Government and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Noridi (front) and members of Mahasiswa Dan Anak Muda Sabah showing their support for the State Government. The UMS student group began their rally in front of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall before marching through Wisma Sabah, Wisma Merdeka, Segama Complex and Sinsuran Complex. Their demonstration concluded for the day at Lintasan Deasoka, where they planned to camp overnight before ending the protest at noon on Sunday, June 22. According to Suara Mahasiswa president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim, the rally was not aimed at attacking the government, but rather to denounce corruption and unjust governance. Their key demands include: Legal action against the State Water Department over ongoing water supply issues at UMS, a full reform of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner appointment process, harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of bribery and public dissatisfaction with the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the Sabah Head of State, citing his controversial past About 350 meters away at Taman Chong Thien Vun, near the old Kota Kinabalu Court House, the second peaceful gathering unfolded. Led by Noridi @ Noraidi Maya, the group expressed support for Chief Minister Hajiji and the State Government. Noridi clarified that their event was not a counter-rally but a separate show of solidarity. He highlighted various forms of government assistance received by students, such as the Sentosa, BUDI and SUBSIDI programs. Addressing the ongoing mining corruption scandal, Noridi said it was best to let authorities conduct their investigations and advised fellow students not to speculate on matters beyond their understanding. He also noted that infrastructure issues, including water and electricity, have been longstanding problems currently being addressed. On the appointment of Tun Musa as Head of State, Noridi said the matter is settled and should be respected.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Two rallies with two messages taking place in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: Two peaceful rallies are being staged in nearby locations over the weekend, each conveying different messages. The first rally involves university students mainly from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), non-governmental organisations and supporters. The second, a smaller group claiming to be university students and their supporters, is also taking place in the city. The UMS group is holding the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, protesting against corruption, unfair administration, and the failure to deliver basic infrastructure and necessities such as water. They are also continuing their year-long criticism of Tun Musa Aman's appointment as the Head of State. UMS student group Suara Mahasiswa president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim said the rally is not against the government but opposes corrupt and unfair governance. It is also a call for the youth to voice their dissatisfaction and concerns when something is wrong with the government. They began their rally in front of the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and initially refused to leave despite security guards' requests, so as not to disrupt mall-goers and road users. However, they relented after being informed that the rally was legal, with police approval and certain rules in place. The Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally is set to continue at several checkpoints until Sunday (June 22). The other movement, Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (Gammas), held a demonstration lasting less than 30 minutes at Chong Tien Vun Park nearby. Representative Noridi @ Noraidi Maya said they are not staging a counter-rally against the UMS students but showing solidarity and support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He stated that students received benefits and aid from the government, such as the Sentosa, Budi, and Subfly assistance. Regarding the ongoing mining scandal, he said it is best to leave investigations to the authorities, as students are unsure of the details and proceedings. On issues of water, electricity, and infrastructure such as roads, Noridi said these are decades-old problems currently being addressed. Other matters discussed included the proposed Political Funding Act and the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the Head of State. 'We urge the federal government to expedite the passing of this Political Funding Act to prevent issues such as mining and related matters from recurring,' he said. Noridi stated that the TYT's appointment is final and should not be questioned further. He called on students and the public to move on from this matter to protect the sanctity of the royal institution.
