Prioritise Education Focus and Mutual Respect – GRS Beaufort Youth on Student Rally at UMS

25 June 2025

BEAUFORT : The Head of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Youth, Beaufort Division, Mohd Shahril Osin, has voiced support for the recent statements by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, affirming that the 13 students involved in the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally should not be expelled from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

However, he urged the Ministry of Higher Education to consider long-term measures that prioritise academic focus and mutual respect, including the possibility of relocating students involved to institutions in Peninsular Malaysia or their respective home states, should it better serve their educational journey.

“We must ensure that universities remain places of learning, growth, and character-building. If students feel that UMS is not the right environment for them, and if their priorities lie outside of academic development, it may be appropriate to consider alternative placements that better align with their aspirations,” he said in a statement today.

Mohd Shahril, who also leads the Youth wing of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) in Klias, noted that many of the students involved were reportedly not from Sabah. He expressed concern that external influences may be distracting from the core mission of higher education.

“Universities should not be used as arenas for political mobilisation. We must protect the integrity of academic institutions and ensure that students remain focused on their studies, leadership development, and civic responsibility,” he said.

He further stressed that while student activism is a recognised part of democratic expression, it must be grounded in respect for local laws and institutional norms.

“If students are passionate about national issues such as anti-corruption, they are encouraged to engage through appropriate platforms, ideally beginning in their own communities. Constructive participation must be encouraged, but not at the cost of local harmony or institutional stability,” he added.

Addressing concerns raised by students regarding infrastructure and welfare at UMS, Shahril urged the Ministry of Higher Education to take these matters seriously and to continue investing in long-term improvements.

“UMS is a cornerstone of higher education in East Malaysia. While challenges exist, they must be addressed through collaboration and dialogue—not through actions that undermine the university's role or reputation,” he stated.

He acknowledged the frustrations expressed by some students, but encouraged them to approach such issues through proper channels, such as student unions, university forums, and constructive dialogue with administration.

“Respect is a two-way street. We welcome diverse views, but ask that students also respect the culture, governance, and context of Sabah as their host state,” he said.

Shahril reiterated his support for the Prime Minister’s national commitment to combat corruption and called for fairness and consistency in upholding these principles across all states.

“We all share the goal of a corruption-free Malaysia. But let us not allow political sentiment to overshadow the educational mission of our universities,” he added.

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders, including political leaders, to respect the independence of academic institutions and avoid using them as platforms for political agendas.

“UMS is a source of pride for Sabah. Let us preserve its reputation by upholding the values of education, critical thinking, and respectful discourse. Students must be empowered to lead, not manipulated into conflict,” he said.