KOTA KINABALU: Police are set to call up representatives from three groups planning rallies and a carnival outside Menara Kinabalu on New Year's Eve.
This comes as Suara Mahasiswa, a student movement from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, plans an anti-corruption campaign, while another group Gerakan Bangkit Sabahan wants to back Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor through a gathering at the same location and time.
Additionally, the Sabah Community Development Leader Unit has released a poster for a "Karnival Ria Kinabalu" at the same venue, from 10am to 6pm, which overlaps with the two rallies at 2pm.
Kota Kinabalu city police chief Asst Comm Kasim Muda confirmed that all three groups had notified the police about their plans to hold gatherings in the same area at the same time.
He said Suara Mahasiswa's application did not meet the conditions required by the landowner, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), and therefore did not fulfil the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 requirements.
"I will be calling the three organisers to talk to them tomorrow (Dec 27)," ACP Kasim said Thursday (Dec 26).
He also stated that while the police are prepared to ensure public safety, they will not disclose specific security measures in place.
ACP Kasim advised the public not to attend the gatherings, as none of the organisers have yet to obtain the necessary permits, including from DBKK.
Earlier this week, Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin urged authorities to tighten security, warning that the simultaneous rallies could lead to provocations, creating a risk of unwanted incidents.
Suara Mahasiswa had informed the police a week ago about their peaceful gathering, which aims to raise awareness about alleged corruption in the issuance of mining prospecting licences, highlighted by videos of a businessman speaking to eight assemblymen.
Subsequently, Gerakan Bangkit Sabahan decided over the last 48 hours to hold their own rally in solidarity with Hajiji and to defend Sabah's rights.
The "Karnival Ria Kinabalu" programme is the latest addition over the past 24 hours.
