The Tangkap Azam Baki Secretariat has described the detention of three youths under investigation for allegedly disrupting MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s speech yesterday as an attempt by authorities to silence anti-corruption activists.
Group spokesperson Alyaah Hani Anuar, responding to the arrest and three-day remand, said: “We view this arrest as an intimidation tactic by the Madani government, and the three-day remand is unreasonable.”
Alyaah said she was concerned because one of those detained is a university student.
“We see this as a form of intimidation and a betrayal of freedom of speech,” she told reporters at the Dang Wangi district police station today, where the trio is being detained.
A magistrate this morning granted a three-day remand order for Liga Rakyat Demokratik president Hamdin Nordin, Liga Mahasiswa activist Ahsanul Akmal Sulam, and Mandiri coordinator Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal.
They were detained to assist investigations 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 the 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.
Betrayal of democratic principles
In a separate statement, the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement alleged that the arrests marked a betrayal of democratic principles once championed by the current administration and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“For decades, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the leaders of today’s government. We remember the days when Anwar spoke of ‘reformasi’ and condemned the cruelty of a police state.
“Yet today, we are forced to ask: Has the government abandoned the spirit of reformasi, or have they forgotten the rakyat who marched beside them?” said the group.
The association further claimed it was “a bitter irony” that those once persecuted had now become oppressors, accusing the government of using state machinery to intimidate and silence young voices.
“A government that fears its youth has lost its moral compass,” added the group.
Yesterday, the three activists were arrested after holding placards reading “Tangkap Azam Baki” (Arrest Azam Baki) while the MACC chief commissioner was delivering a public speech at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
They have been held at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters since about 4.30pm yesterday.
The arrests follow a series of protests in recent months over allegations against Azam, after Bloomberg and Malaysiakini reported that he was alleged to hold significant shareholdings in two companies, exceeding limits imposed on public officials.
In a related development, Bloomberg also published a report alleging cooperation between senior MACC officers and private parties to plan corporate takeovers of rival companies, with Azam’s knowledge and support.
The MACC has denied all the allegations. - Mkini
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