Fireworks disrupt ‘Tangkap Azam Baki’ rally as leaders allege sabotage
Fireworks set off during a Kuala Lumpur rally prompted brief chaos, with leaders alleging sabotage. Police said the protest remained largely peaceful and are investigating the incident.
- Fireworks incident caused brief chaos at Kuala Lumpur rally, one person reportedly injured
- Leaders and activists described the act as sabotage and urged authorities to act
- Protesters reiterated calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry and MACC reforms
MALAYSIA: A protest rally calling for action against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki was briefly disrupted by a fireworks incident, with activists and political leaders alleging sabotage during the gathering in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Malay Mail in a report published on 25 April, fireworks were set off about 30 minutes into the rally near the main entrance of the Sogo shopping mall, behind protesters assembled along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
Speakers at the rally described the act as a provocation intended to disrupt an otherwise peaceful demonstration.
Chaos Erupts, One Reportedly Injured
New Straits Times reported that the fireworks caused a moment of chaos, with the crowd scattering roughly 50 metres from the initial gathering point.
One individual was believed to have been injured and was seen covering her eyes following the incident.
Police subsequently moved in to secure the area.
Despite the disruption, the situation was brought under control and the rally resumed shortly after.
Leaders Condemn Incident, Call for Action
Addressing the crowd, rally speakers condemned the fireworks incident and urged authorities to take action.
Bersih chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz called on Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“We come peacefully, we don’t bring weapons, we don’t bring bombs. We don’t bring provocation. That was provocation from irresponsible individuals,” he said.
One of the rally figures, Muhammad Fakhrurrazi Khairur Rijal described the incident as a “test” of the protesters’ resolve, urging participants to remain calm and continue the march.
Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sazalee Adam later confirmed that the rally was conducted peacefully overall, adding that investigations are underway to identify those behind the fireworks.
Continued Push for RCI and Azam Baki Probe
Speakers at the rally reiterated demands for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into allegations involving the MACC, as well as the arrest and investigation of Azam Baki.
These calls persisted despite the announcement of a new MACC chief ahead of the end of Azam’s contract on 12 May.
Among those addressing the crowd, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan expressed distrust in government-led investigations, stating that only an independent commission would be credible.
PKR lawmaker Zahir Hassan noted that while a new MACC chief had been named, calls for accountability regarding Azam remained.
Other speakers, including PKR MP Lee Chean Chung, Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, and civil society representatives, echoed similar demands for institutional reform and greater transparency.
Cross-Political Participation Highlighted
Former minister Rafizi Ramli, who spoke towards the end of the rally, said participants came from across the political spectrum, including representatives from PKR, Parti Amanah Negara, DAP, Muda, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, PAS and PSM.
He also relayed police concerns about potential further incidents, urging the crowd to disperse within 15 to 20 minutes for safety reasons.
Rafizi: Youth-Led Rally Marks ‘New Chapter’
In a Facebook post on 25 April, Rafizi thanked participants and described the rally as a significant development in Malaysia’s protest landscape.
He estimated attendance at around 1,500 people, noting that figures varied widely between media and authorities.
He also highlighted that the rally was largely organised by younger activists and not formally backed by major political coalitions, although representatives from multiple parties were present.
Rafizi said the event reflected a cross-ideological movement, with many attendees unaffiliated with any political party, including first-time demonstrators.
He also confirmed two tense moments during the rally: the initial fireworks incident, which he described as a sabotage attempt involving boxes of fireworks directed towards the crowd, and a later disagreement over the removal of a pickup truck used as a stage.
Both situations were eventually resolved peacefully.
Rally Demands and Timeline
The rally began at 3pm outside the Sogo shopping mall and concluded at approximately 5.35pm near the intersection of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Raja, close to Dataran Merdeka.
Organisers outlined three key demands: the establishment of an RCI into alleged corporate collusion involving the MACC, the arrest and investigation of Azam Baki, and protections for freedom of speech for those criticising corruption.
Despite the disruption, authorities confirmed that the overall event remained orderly, with investigations continuing into the fireworks incident.
Previous protest on 7 April
Earlier on 7 April, a public address by MACC chief Azam Baki at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur was briefly disrupted by three youths linked to the same campaign.
One protester approached the stage with a placard while another displayed a sign calling for his arrest.
Security personnel escorted them out, and the event resumed shortly after.
One protester shouted “Tangkap Azam Baki” during the incident, while youth group Mandiri later criticised the detention of activists involved.
The protest was linked to the #TangkapAzamBaki campaign, which has continued to draw public attention in recent weeks.
