KOTA KINABALU: The group organising an anti-corruption rally in the state capital claim that the Sabah Public Works Department's (JKR) announcement of road closures leading to Menara Kinabalu for a carnival is an attempt to disrupt their planned assembly.
Suara Mahasiswa, comprising Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, responded to JKR's statement on Saturday (Dec 28), describing the carnival as "impromptu" and asserting that they would not compromise on their plans to highlight the need to combat corruption affecting both government politicians and the opposition.
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"We are fully prepared to ensure this peaceful assembly runs smoothly," their secretariat said in a statement on Saturday, adding that they expect over 10,000 attendees based on social media support.
"We, the students and people of Sabah, strongly oppose the damaging effects of corruption on the state," the secretariat said, suggesting that the carnival organisers are more interested in preventing the rally than ensuring public safety.
The rally organised by Suara Mahasiswa is scheduled to take place in front of Menara Kinabalu at 2pm on Dec 31.
Sabah JKR announced on Saturday that parts of the roads leading to Menara Kinabalu and the Sabah Legislative Assembly will be closed from Dec 30 to Dec 31, as stated in a notice on their Facebook page.
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According to the notice, the closure will begin at 9pm on Dec 30 and continue until 11.59pm on Dec 31 to accommodate a carnival organised by the state Community Leaders Unit Carnival (UPPM) from 10am to 6pm on Dec 31.
"The public is informed that part of Jalan Menara Kinabalu and Jalan Utama Dewan Undangan Negeri will be closed for the UPPM Karnival Ria Kinabalu programme," the notice said.
"Entry into Menara Kinabalu will be controlled by the police, while those entering adjacent Menara Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building) and Wisma Innoprise will have to use an alternative route," it added.
The public is advised to follow police instructions for traffic control at the location.
