Youth activists who disrupted Azam's speech at integrity forum released

Three youth activists who were detained after waving the “Tangkap Azam Baki” placards and heckling MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki during his public address at an integrity forum were released early this morning.

Liga Rakyat Demokratik president Hamdin Nordin posted the update on his Instagram page, showing a photo of him, Liga Mahasiswa activist Ahsanul Akmal Sulam, and Mandiri coordinator Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal posing outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

“God willing, my friends and I have been released. Thank you, all!” Hamdin said in a short accompanying caption.

The three are being investigated under Sections 186, 447, and 504 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act. They were remanded for three days, beginning yesterday.

The provisions relate to offences of obstructing public servants, trespass, provocation, and public nuisance, carrying penalties ranging from a small fine of RM100 to up to two years’ imprisonment.

The activists were arrested after holding placards calling for Azam’s arrest while the chief commissioner delivered his opening address at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on April 7.

‘Azam should’ve been arrested instead’

Last night, a coalition of 89 civil society organisations condemned the arrest and remand and called for their immediate release.

In a statement, the groups alleged that the police arrests were intended to intimidate the public from speaking out. They maintained that peaceful protest remains a legitimate means for Malaysians to demand accountability, adding that if any arrest were warranted, it should have involved Azam instead.

The statement also levelled sharp criticism at Azam, claiming his performance as MACC chief had been “abysmal”, and alleging failures to properly address corruption allegations, including issues surrounding his ownership of company shares.

Azam has been in the spotlight over his shareholdings, which allegedly exceed limits imposed on public officials.

At the same time, the MACC has been accused of being part of a corporate mafia scandal, with officers allegedly colluding with businesspersons to execute corporate takeovers.

Last week, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil denied allegations that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had asked “key people” in the probe of Azam’s shareholdings to hold off from making their findings public.

Won’t be silenced

In a separate statement, Muda vice-president Leben Siddharth lamented that while three young Malaysians were swiftly detained for holding placards in silence, those implicated in serious institutional controversies continue to evade meaningful accountability.

“Authorities must not waste public resources policing the silence of students. Had even a fraction of that effort been directed toward addressing integrity concerns within the MACC, these young citizens would not have been compelled to take such action.

“Arresting those who raise concerns while ignoring the issues they highlight undermines public trust and weakens our institutions. These activists are not troublemakers.

“They embody the conscience and aspirations of Malaysia’s youth. This generation rejects empty rhetoric and demands genuine accountability, transparency, and reform.

“Attempts to intimidate or suppress peaceful dissent through the weaponisation of state institutions will not succeed. The youth of this nation are watching, and they will not be silenced,” Leben said.

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