KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 28 2026: Rights activist Peter John Jaban threatened to organise a larger peaceful assembly if Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and other relevant agencies fail to send their representatives to the anti-Bandar Riyal peaceful assembly this coming Sunday.
He said he wants them to be present so the organisers of the assembly could hand over copies of a memorandum to them.
“If the relevant authorities and invited representatives refuse to attend and receive the memorandum, we will seriously consider organising a larger peaceful assembly to ensure that the concerns of the people receive the attention they deserve,” Peter, who is also the chairman of the peaceful assembly, said in a statement.
He said the organisers have officially invited MPKS chairman or representative to attend the peaceful assembly and receive their memorandum.
He said the organisers have also sent official invitation to the Resident of Kota Samarahan, Stakan State Legislative Member Hamzah Brahim and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament Rubiah Wang to attend the assembly.
Peter, however, expressed regret that MPKS has turned down the invitation “stating that the council does not have the capacity to attend the peaceful assembly and receive our memorandum.”
He said the first protest against the name Bandar Riyal was ignored by the relevant authorities.
“This time, the people will continue to speak until their concerns are properly heard and acknowledged,” he said.
The organisers have given approval by the Kota Samarahan police to hold the peaceful assembly on Aug 30, 2026, from 10.30am to 12noon, at Bandar Riyal market.
Peter said when the name Bandar Riyal was introduced in 2025, members of the local community objected and organised a protest under the leadership of the late Cobold John.
He added the people protested on the street and submitted a memorandum to MPKS, which unfortunately rejected it.
“More than a decade later (10 years), the people are once again compelled to organise a peaceful assembly to defend their history, identity and heritage.
“This second peaceful protest has been further triggered by the proposed name of the new state constituency, N23 Samarindah.
“The people are now asking whether the authorities have learned anything from the past. Will the voices of the people once again be ignored?” Peter asked.
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