Kota Kinabalu: A Sabah-based action group, Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57), denied allegations on social media that it is an “illegal association” and has lodged a police report.
It is preparing legal action against those responsible.
Its Secretary Noraidi Maya said G57 is not a registered association or organisation but a voluntary Action Group established in 2018 to provide legal advocacy and pro bono legal services.
He said the viral allegations have damaged G57’s good name, reputation and credibility as an action group that champions the people’s interests through legal channels.
“G57 was formed as a voluntary platform of an action group that has no membership, membership fees, annual general meetings, constitution or organisational structure like an association.
“It comprises senior lawyers and individuals committed to assisting the public through legal advice, pro bono representation and advocacy on matters of public interest,” he said after lodging a police report at Karamunsing police station, Friday.
He said G57 had never intended to register with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) as it did not function as a formal association.
Noraidi said G57 has been assisting Malaysians regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, including raising the case involving the late Zara Qairina.
He also denied claims that G57 was organising the upcoming Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 rally.
“The organiser is the Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan Secretariat, while Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar only serves as an adviser to the secretariat. Any attempt to portray G57 as the organiser is inaccurate and baseless,” he said.
Noraidi urged all parties, including Parti Warisan, not to view the planned gathering with fear, saying peaceful assembly was a legal right protected under Malaysian law.
He said one of the rally’s key objectives is to call on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to reopen investigations into alleged corruption involving former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
