A protest in KL saw a large turnout demanding accountability from Azam Baki, though police blocked the march before reaching Dataran Merdeka.
KUALA LUMPUR: Approximately 1,000 people gathered in the city centre this afternoon for a rally demanding accountability from outgoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki, despite the recent announcement of his successor.
The demonstration, the second this year concerning allegations linked to Azam’s shareholding controversy and claims of MACC involvement in corporate takeover manipulation, began outside the Sogo shopping complex.
However, the march was ultimately halted before reaching Dataran Merdeka, as another event was already taking place at the historic square and police had established a human barricade along Jalan Raja.
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At approximately 4pm, the convoy reached Jalan Raja but was prevented from proceeding further by a heavy police presence, including the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), who formed a strict blockade.
Earlier in the afternoon, the assembly was briefly disrupted after firecrackers were reportedly set off within the crowd, triggering panic and commotion.
Organisers described the incident as a possible act of “sabotage,” though no injuries were reported. As of press time, police have not confirmed any arrests in connection with the disturbance.
Despite these tense moments, participants remained defiant, chanting slogans such as “Hidup Rakyat” and “Tangkap Azam Baki” while brandishing placards.
The rally saw significant participation from political figures, including Muda President Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, PKR backbenchers Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju) and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (Pandan), as well as DAP’s Khoo Poay Tiong (Kota Melaka) and Bersih Chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz.
A brief moment of confusion occurred when Rafizi was momentarily escorted aside by police, leading some rally-goers to believe he had been detained.
Rafizi later clarified that officers had only brought him aside for a discussion regarding safety concerns following the firecracker incident.
“Their concern was that if the rally continued for a longer period, they could not guarantee that there would not be any other incidents,” Rafizi said.
He added that he appreciated the police for allowing the rally to proceed and eventually disperse peacefully following negotiations between both sides.
Estimates regarding the crowd size varied significantly.
While observations by theSun placed the turnout at more than 1,000 participants, police official figures suggested a much lower count of approximately 300.
The rally concluded and dispersed without further incident.
Earlier today, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman will officially succeed Azam Baki as MACC Chief Commissioner on May 13.
