Protesters disrupt anti corruption chief speech in Malaysia as activists detained amid controversy
Three youths briefly disrupted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki’s speech at Wacana Ilmiah Perdana in Kuala Lumpur on 7 April, calling for his arrest over shareholding controversies. Security escorted the protesters without further incident.
- Three youths briefly disrupted MACC chief Azam Baki’s speech at Wacana Ilmiah Perdana in Kuala Lumpur.
- Protesters called for Azam’s arrest over shareholding controversies; security intervened promptly.
- Youth organisation Mandiri condemned detentions, demanding activists’ release and accountability for Azam.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A public address by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was briefly interrupted on 7 April when three youths staged a protest during the Wacana Ilmiah Perdana programme at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
Free Malaysia Today reported that the disruption occurred about six minutes into Azam’s speech, as one protester approached the stage holding a placard, followed shortly by another carrying a sign calling for the MACC chief’s arrest.
Security personnel promptly escorted the individuals from the hall, and the event resumed without further incident.
Azam continued his address on integrity and good governance and left immediately after, declining to comment to reporters, citing a prior engagement.
The event was jointly organised by MACC, Asia e University, and WTCKL.
Calls for Release of Detained Activists
Sinar Daily reported that youth organisation Pusat Pembanguna Rakyat (Mandiri) condemned the authorities’ detention of three activists linked to the protest.
Mandiri coordinator Wong Kukui said the activists attended the event to stage a peaceful protest over controversies surrounding Azam Baki’s shareholdings and alleged "corporate mafia" activities within the MACC.
“Mandiri strongly condemns the authorities’ action in detaining three activists from the #TangkapAzamBaki Secretariat, including two Mandiri coordinators and a student activist,” Wong said.
He added that accountability should be focused on Azam Baki himself rather than public activists.
Mandiri, founded in May 2024, is a youth-driven organisation dedicated to promoting democratic participation and progressive ideas in Malaysia.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction
New Straits Times reported that one protester shouted “Tangkap Azam Baki” ("Arrest Azam Baki") during the incident, while organisers and auxiliary police intervened to restore order.
A third youth was later asked to leave after initially disputing with event organisers.
Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim, present at the venue, praised Azam’s composure.
“Tan Sri Azam remained calm, unprovoked and continued his speech until completion with full authority, which was later met with thunderous applause from the audience,” he said, noting that freedom of expression should be exercised in an orderly manner without disrupting formal events.
Future Rally Planned
According to Free Malaysia Today, the protesters are reportedly from the #TangkapAzamBaki Secretariat, which plans a larger rally against Azam at Dataran Merdeka on 25 April.
Liga Mahasiswa Malaysia president Alyaah Hani Anuar confirmed that one of the protestors had been arrested by police following the incident.
