G57 denies illegal association claims, warns of legal action over defamation

KOTA KINABALU (June 26): Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) has denied allegations circulating on social media claiming it is an illegal association, describing the claims as defamatory and warning that legal action will be taken against those responsible.

G57 secretary Noraidi Maya said the movement is not a registered society or organisation, but a voluntary action committee established in 2018 to provide legal advocacy and pro bono assistance to the public.

“G57 was never intended to be registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) because it does not operate as a membership-based organisation.

“The committee has no membership registration, membership fees, annual general meetings, constitution or organisational structure similar to that of a registered association.

“Instead, G57 functions as a legal advocacy platform comprising senior lawyers and volunteers committed to defending public interests through lawful channels,” he told a press conference after lodging a police report at the Karamunsing police station here.

He said the police report was lodged to request the Royal Malaysia Police to investigate the origin of a report referenced in a social media post which allegedly labelled G57 as an illegal association.

According to Noraidi, the group has assisted Malaysians from all backgrounds on various public interest issues since its establishment, including helping raise the case involving the late Zara Qairina, which eventually led to the government’s decision to hold an inquest.

He said if investigations reveal that false information, defamatory statements or other offences were committed, authorities should take action under relevant provisions of the Penal Code, including Section 182 for giving false information to a public servant, Section 211 for false charge, and Sections 499 and 500 for criminal defamation.

Noraidi also said G57 is attempting to identify the individual believed to have lodged the police report.

“Once identified, our lawyers will issue a Letter of Demand seeking a retraction, a public apology and appropriate compensation.

“Failing that, we will not hesitate to file a civil lawsuit to protect the reputation of the organisation and our chairman, Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar,” he said.

He also warned that anyone who republishes or repeats the allegations without factual basis could face legal action if the statements damage G57’s reputation.

Meanwhile, Noraidi clarified that G57 is not the organiser of the upcoming Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 rally, scheduled to be held in Kota Kinabalu on July 4 and 5.

He said the event is organised by the Secretariat of Himpunan Bangkit Sabahan, while Zulkarnain serves only as an adviser to the secretariat.

Noraidi also urged all parties not to fear the planned rally, noting that peaceful assemblies are a legal right in a democratic society when conducted in accordance with the law.

He said one of the rally’s main demands is for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to consider reopening investigations into corruption allegations involving Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, stressing that the call is a request for the authorities to act based on evidence and the law.

Noraidi reiterated that G57 would continue defending its reputation and integrity through legal means, while respecting the rule of law and allowing authorities to conduct impartial investigations.

He added that individuals who use police reports or social media to spread false allegations should be prepared to face legal consequences.

G57 Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia illegal association onsite