Tangkap Azam Baki roadshow barred from venue due to 'sensitive content'

The Tangkap Azam Baki Secretariat has condemned a Penang venue’s last-minute barring of a roadshow aimed at explaining to the public issues concerning the MACC and its chief commissioner, Azam Baki.

Liga Rakyat Demokratik president Hamdin Nordin told Malaysiakini that in a letter informing the secretariat of the decision, the Penang Digital Library in George Town said the contents of the programme, which was set for tonight, touch on “sensitive issues” affecting the community.

In a statement, the secretariat lamented that the sudden decision earlier today also came despite their representatives having made an early booking, with the deposit paid in full.

“The Penang Digital Library is an initiative under the state government, established as a public space for the community.

“Therefore, any decision to block a people’s programme in this space cannot be seen as a mere management issue, but reflects how public spaces under government initiatives are utilised,” the secretariat added.

As a result, the secretariat said the venue for tonight’s event has been moved to the COEX @ Kilang Besi event space along Jalan Timah.

‘Sensitive issues unrelated to education’

In a statement, the Penang Digital Library management confirmed that an initial booking for the venue was for a community talk.

However, it said that after further review, it found that the content of the programme “touched on sensitive issues within society and was found to be unrelated to the agenda of education or self-improvement skills development”.

It stressed that as the library is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) education institution and is located within a school compound, any programme, course or workshop held there must be educational and appropriate to the library environment, without disturbing the peace and comfort of other users.

“Any programme related to feasts, religious activities, racial matters, or sensitive issues is strictly not permitted,” it added.

Nabbed at anti-Azam protest

On April 7, Hamdin and two other youth activists were detained after waving “Tangkap Azam Baki” placards and heckling Azam during his public address at an integrity forum.

Hamdin, Liga Mahasiswa activist Ahsanul Akmal Sulam, and Mandiri coordinator Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal were released on April 9, with the trio being investigated under Sections 186, 447, and 504 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act.

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

Before their release, a coalition of 89 civil society organisations condemned the arrests, describing them as a method used by the police to intimidate the public against speaking out.

The groups maintained that peaceful protest remains a legitimate way for people to demand accountability, adding that if any arrest were warranted, it should have been Azam instead.

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

At the same time, the MACC and Azam have been linked to a “corporate mafia” scandal, with anti-graft officers allegedly colluding with businesspersons to execute corporate takeovers.

The commission, however, has repeatedly denied its involvement in the alleged “corporate mafia”, claiming the accusations are part of a smear campaign to undermine its reputation.

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