Hundreds of protesters gathered in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, calling for the resignation and arrest of MACC chief Azam Baki over a shareholding scandal and related allegations.
The protest followed reports alleging that MACC officers colluded with private individuals to pressure business rivals and facilitate corporate takeovers. Demonstrators also criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of defending Azam despite calls for the latter to step aside pending independent investigations.
The crowd began assembling outside the Sogo shopping complex at about 4pm. A uniformed police officer later instructed organisers from the youth-led movement Mandiri to relocate several hundred metres away to avoid obstructing shoppers ahead of Chinese New Year and Ramadan preparations.
Several MPs and civil society representatives addressed protesters from the back of a pick-up truck. Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli warned that more demonstrations would follow if no action is taken.
“If the government still refuses to suspend Azam and refuses to conduct an independent and transparent investigation, then we have no choice but to take to the streets again and again until he steps down,” he said.
Rafizi added that the rally was intended to test the government’s response and reminded Anwar that, as opposition leader in 2022, he had supported calls for Azam to step down. He also took aim at Anwar’s recent remarks about “whiny” party members.
“To Anwar, we (PKR members) are whining and complaining only because we love the country… so that when the people are mad at you, you will not also fall with him,” he said.
Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz echoed the warning, hinting at a possible Bersih 6 mobilisation.
“This is a warning from the people. We do not want any more corruption – especially when it involves Azam,” he said, recalling a similar protest in 2022 linked to the same issue.
Subang MP Wong Chen urged the government committee probing Azam’s shareholdings to examine other related allegations.
“Azam said he has already sold the shares, but he lost RM400,000 and appears completely unfazed about it.
“So tell the public now – what are your current assets? I dare you. What car do you own? What house? How many wives do you have?” he said.
Earlier, Azam said he would fully cooperate with the committee, adding that he has nothing to hide and would provide any documents required.
Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad drew parallels with past mass protests, including the reformasi movement and the 1MDB rallies.
“Twenty years ago, we gathered to fight injustice. Ten years ago, it was 1MDB.
“Today, it’s the same. We do not want people siphoning off the country’s money,” he said, stressing the need to safeguard MACC’s independence.
After the speeches, protesters marched towards Dataran Merdeka to the sound of drums, protest songs and chants of “Tangkap Azam Baki”, with police stationed along the route. Large placards depicting caricatures of Azam and Anwar marked with red Xs were raised, alongside a banner reading “Lawan Dua Darjat”, calling for equal enforcement against corruption.
Groups present included Parti Sosialis Malaysia, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, and Mandiri. Lawmakers who attended did not join the march.
The rally concluded around 6pm near the recently upgraded Sultan Abdul Samad courthouse, where student representatives reiterated demands, warning that their future is at stake if the root causes of corruption are not seriously addressed.