DAP Youth: Expedite answers on Azam's shares, not arrest protesters

 

DAP Youth has joined calls for the immediate release of the three protesters arrested for disrupting MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s speech, urging the government to clarify the controversy over his shareholdings swiftly.

“DAP Youth stresses that the priority now is to expedite a transparent and open investigation into the issue of excessive shareholding involving Azam, and to provide convincing explanations to the public, rather than investigating activists and students as a means of deflecting the issue,” it added in a statement.

Reminding authorities that the era of autocratic governments in Malaysia has passed, the wing emphasised that the Madani government upholds the rights and freedoms of speech.

“Therefore, the police must adhere to the rule of law and avoid excessive actions that will only create tension and undermine public confidence in the government,” DAP Youth said.

The wing stressed that law enforcement under the Madani government must also show greater openness, inclusivity, and respect for citizens’ freedom of speech.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki

Fundamental right

DAP Youth noted that in a democratic nation, the right to demand accountability from the government is a fundamental right of the people.

It added that as long as such actions do not disrupt public order, authorities should not act rashly by restricting citizens’ freedom of speech.

Earlier, the Tangkap Azam Baki Secretariat described the detention and three-day remand of the three youths involved in the protest as an attempt by authorities to silence anti-corruption activists.

Group spokesperson Alyaah Hani Anuar said: “We view this arrest as an intimidation tactic by the Madani government, and the three-day remand is unreasonable.

“We see this as a form of intimidation and a betrayal of freedom of speech.”

The three who were detained - Liga Rakyat Demokratik president Hamdin Nordin, Liga Mahasiswa activist Ahsanul Akmal Sulam, and Mandiri coordinator Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal - are being investigated under Sections 186, 447, and 504 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.

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.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus, who confirmed the remand order, said: “We have opened an investigation into the offences of preventing the duty of a public officer, sedition and also trespass.

“We will attempt to complete the investigations urgently. More than two police reports were lodged over the incident,” Fadil said during a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters today.

‘Peaceful protest not a crime’

Separately, Amnesty International Malaysia’s freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said the trio’s detention over a peaceful protest highlights an alarming pattern of penalising non-violent expression.

Amnesty International Malaysia’s Kiran Kaur

“Instead of delivering on long-promised reforms such as repealing laws that restrict free speech, the authorities are once again resorting to broad and punitive measures to silence dissent.

“Peaceful protest is not a crime. Arresting and detaining activists over alleged criminal trespass and ‘intentional insult’ is a disproportionate response to non-violent action,” she said in a statement.

Kiran stressed that instead of targeting activists, the government should create an environment where people can safely express criticism and demand accountability.

“The repeated arrest and detention of government critics points to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space that must urgently be reversed,” she added.

The activists were arrested after holding placards calling for Azam’s arrest when the chief commissioner was delivering a speech at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

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