Wanita PKR executive council member Siti Norffinie Yassin said while student activism played a key role in keeping the government accountable, protests must not cross the line of cultural norms and civility.

“We can have different views. We can disagree. However, etiquette in voicing our stance must be maintained. Nation-building requires not only courage to speak the truth, but wisdom on how we do that.

“Provocative actions and playing with the symbols of national leadership do not contribute to solutions, but instead worsen the gap in understanding between generations,” she said in a statement.

Siti maintained that PKR remained committed to executing reforms and upholding good governance, saying claims of graft and misconduct should be probed by the authorities without political interference.

She also urged students to speak out with “purpose and clarity”, advising them to be educators and changemakers, not inciters.

Yesterday’s Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, organised by several Universiti Malaysia Sabah students, ended with the burning of the caricature of Anwar, who is also the PKR president.

The protest drew over 100 participants calling for action over the Sabah Water Department scandal.