(April 30): Despite a police ban, organisers of a May Day rally in Sabah have vowed that the gathering will continue as planned.

Saying the rally is peaceful, Bersih 2.0 Sabah chapter vice-chairman Jannie Lasimbang urged the public to come out and support their protest against the implementation of goods and services tax (GST) and the problem of illegal immigrants in the state.

"Himpunan May Day will continue as planned and as scheduled. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression must be followed and practice as it is a fundamental basis of constitutional law and human rights.

"We cannot act with bias to a prejudicial decision made by presumptions and undermine evidence of malice.

"We continue to encourage all peace-loving Sabahans to come out early and be prepared for roadblocks outside and inside the city. As instructed, bring only your ID, small amount of cash, water. Do not bring any sharp objects or children," she said in a statement today.
 
Police have obtained a court order which banned the rally from five main open areas in Kota Kinabalu from April 27 to May 3, even though the rally is only scheduled to last two hours from 3pm on May 1 at Padang Merdeka in the state capital.

Six politicians were barred from the gathering, namely Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing, Kota Kinabalu MP Jimmy Wong Txe Phin (DAP), Kapayan assemblyman Dr Edwin Bosi (DAP), Penampang MP Darell Leiking (PKR), Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (STAR) and ex-senator Datuk Maijol Mahap (STAR).

The Star Online reported that others banned from the rally were activists Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, Lasimbang, Daniel John Jambun, Kanul Gindol, Wilfred Gaban, Ann Lasimbang, S. M. Muthu, Andrew Ambrose Mudi, Hariey Karmin and Mohd Khairuddin Daud.

Sipaun and Lasimbang are both former Malaysian Human Rights Commissioners (Suhakam). Sipaun is also the former chairman of human rights association Proham, while Lasimbang is currently vice-chairman of Bersih's Sabah chapter.

Lasimbang advised the public not to enter the five prohibited areas and cross any barricades that the police have put up, adding that the main assembly point is near the Bandaran Berjaya roundabout.

Supporters are also encouraged to wear yellow.

In criticising the authorities for the ban, she said the police, Kota Kinabalu city council and the state government have no right to assume that the rally will result in chaos and rioting.
 
"That’s like guilty until proven innocent. It’s totally against the normal practice of law, and it’s shameful to say the least," she said.

She said Sabahans were appalled at the high handed actions by the authorities, who had shown a total contempt and usurpation of the law by an overzealous authoritarian regime. – The Malaysian Insider