Thousands of Malaysians dressed in black gathered to protest in central Kuala Lumpur, pressing for the arrest of Azam Baki, chairman of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), following reports that he held shares beyond the permitted threshold and allegations of assisting businessmen in seizing companies. Azam himself insists on his innocence and refuses to resign, pointing out that a former finance minister continued working despite being under investigation.
On Sunday (15 Feb), hundreds of Malaysian protesters dressed in black assembled in downtown Kuala Lumpur to demand the arrest of Azam Baki, chairman of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), amid a scandal involving allegedly improper shareholdings and accusations of abusing his official powers.
The protesters, mostly youths, student groups, civil society organizations, as well as politicians from both the government and opposition, gathered outside a central city shopping mall, waving black flags and holding signs, which led to the temporary closure of a main road.
Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, an opposition politician, addressed the crowd, saying, “We have come together because the dignity of our laws and nation is being mocked. Malaysian youth and citizens will no longer sit silently with closed eyes. We will demand the arrest of Azam Baki until it is achieved.”
This protest is the largest street gathering since October last year. The New Straits Times reported approximately 1,000 participants, including members of the ruling People's Justice Party (PKR). Former Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli stated that citizens had no choice but to repeatedly protest to ensure action is taken against the MACC chairman.
According to Bloomberg, documents submitted to the Malaysian Companies Commission last year revealed that Azam held 17.7 million shares in Velocity Capital Partner, valued at nearly 800,000 ringgit (approximately 6.37 million baht).
Malaysian civil service regulations from 1993 and additional directives from 2024 state that civil servants may purchase shares only if they do not exceed 5% of the company’s registered capital or a value of 100,000 ringgit (about 796,000 baht), whichever is lower. Additionally, there are allegations that MACC officials assisted a group of businessmen in taking over other companies, which both the agency and the business group have denied.
Following the protest, Azam Baki gave an interview affirming, “There is no need for me to take leave” during the investigation, noting he has not been charged with any criminal offense. “I don’t need to step down. If I must, I ask how many others have been charged yet continue working? Even some former finance ministers remained in position while under investigation. So what is the problem? Have I committed a crime?”
However, he pledged full cooperation with the special investigation committee and police, stating he is prepared to transparently present personal documents such as bank statements to the investigation committee but will not release them publicly to prevent misuse by unrelated parties.