Lawyers condemn arrests of 'brave' trio who disrupted Azam Baki speech on integrity

Rights lawyers have condemned the arrests of three youths who interrupted a speech on integrity by Azam Baki, the embattled chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), with placards and slogans calling him out over recent revelations of his share ownership and alleged involvement with the corporate mafia.

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) described the trio as "brave", stating they were exercising their right to freedom of speech as guaranteed by the constitution, and that their action was a "legitimate and lawful exercise of this constitutional freedom".

"Their arrest reflects a disregard for the rights afforded to them under the law and the constitution," said LFL spokesman Rania Aljunied.

Azam was speaking at an event jointly organised by MACC, private college Asia e-University and World Trade Centre, where it was held.

An online promotional poster for the event also featured DAP MP Young Syefura Othman and Umno man Irmohizam Ibrahim.

The event was open to the public, with attendees required only to register online.

During Azam's speech, a youth went to the front of the audience holding a placard calling for Azam's arrest.

This was followed by a second protester who shouted "Tangkap Azam Baki", the slogan first popularised by Pakatan Harapan in 2022 after explosive revelations of the MACC chief's share ownership.

Security personnel and organisers at the hall escorted both youths out and were seen arguing with a third youth.

Later in the evening, youth group Mandiri held a vigil outside the Dang Wangi police station where the trio – Hamdin Nordin, Ahsanul Akmal and Muhammad Fakrurrazzi – were taken.

LFL defended their actions, saying the protest concerned a matter of public interest.

"Azam Baki is not entitled to any special protection by police against criticism or protest.

"At no point did the activists endanger public safety. There was no hate speech, no threats, and no acts of violence. Their conduct remained peaceful throughout," said LFL.

The group further reminded ruling politicians of similar protests they undertook when they were in opposition.

"This raises serious questions of consistency and accountability, and is hypocritical to say the least."

The incident comes as questions swirl over speculation that a three-member committee investigating Azam found he holds shares in nine companies, far exceeding the amount reported by Bloomberg earlier.

Last month, Pandan MP and former minister Rafizi Ramli cited government sources who told him that the committee led by Attorney General Mohd Dusuki Mokthar had discovered more than RM14 million worth of shares held by Azam, and urged Putrajaya to come clean on the matter.

In February, Bloomberg published two explosive revelations concerning Azam’s unusual wealth and claims that he has ties with rogue individuals.

It reported that Azam held millions of shares worth approximately RM800,000 in a listed company, in violation of a government circular prohibiting public servants from such holdings.

Azam has since admitted to purchasing the shares last year, while still the MACC chief, but said he did not break any laws.

This was followed by another Bloomberg report on 12 Feb, linking Azam to a group known as the "corporate mafia", which it said worked in cahoots with the MACC to prey on businessmen and forcefully seize ownership of public-listed companies.

The revelation renewed calls for Azam to be removed as the MACC chief commissioner.

Meanwhile, Anwar's government has ignored calls to set up a royal commission of inquiry into the allegations.

Anwar, who has extended Azam's tenure three times, has also scoffed at calls to remove Azam.

"The man does his work, why do you want to fire him? Read his explanation. It's a disease. Why do you condemn people who do work? Wrong," the prime minister famously replied to reporters.