KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has advised its students against organising or participating in public gatherings or campaigns in protest over ongoing water issues.
A rally campaign, named #KamiMahuAir Sabah, is being planned for June 14 in front of Menara Kinabalu, the main administration building for the Sabah government, as announced on the Suara Mahasiswa UMS Facebook page.
UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said that the university did not endorse any activities that could lead to public disorder or discomfort.
"UMS has never encouraged its students to hold gatherings or activities in public places without authorisation from the authorities," he said in a statement.
Kasim stressed that the university believed that issues could be addressed through proper procedures and channels, avoiding rash actions.
He condemned the actions of the student group attempting to rally support for the protest, saying that it could disrupt public order and tarnish the university's reputation.
"UMS urges the involved student group to stop the campaign and efforts to hold the rally, and allow other university students to focus on their studies. Students are also advised not to follow or participate in gatherings or activities without authorisation from the authorities," he added.
He assured that there was no need for demonstrations regarding the water issue, as Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud was closely monitoring the situation, with regular visits to UMS to review the progress of water supply projects ensuring sufficient supply on campus.
Kasim acknowledged that the state government was actively working to resolve the water supply issues, particularly in the UMS area and its surroundings.
Earlier this year, a protest by UMS students during a visit by the then newly-appointed Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry garnered nationwide attention.
The incident, where students apologised for not having showered due to water shortages, prompted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to question the status of the announced RM3 million funding to resolve the issue.