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DEPUTY Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said those planning to join the rally on August 31, demanding justice for 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, have the right to do so.
The planned rally under the slogan “No Justice, No Merdeka” will coincide with the National Day and Sabah Day celebrations on August 31.
He stressed that the government would respect their decision, while ensuring public order remained a priority.
“Well, that is their right,” he told reporters when met in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday.
Jeffrey said the organisers, who are expected to stage events at various venues nationwide under the slogan “No Justice, No Merdeka” should be free to express themselves, but not at the expense of peace.
“The rally is all over Malaysia… so we are forced to make adjustments in our programme… We want peace and we want everybody to do what they want to do without creating chaos,” he added.
He underlined that the state government would not obstruct the movement.
“We respect their decision,” he said.
The Himpunan Solidariti for Zara Qairina began on August 3 as a local call for justice but quickly snowballed into a nationwide movement, drawing tens of thousands to rallies across Malaysia. — August 27, 2025