A total of 89 coalition of civil society organisations and activists have condemned the arrest and remand of three individuals following a protest targeting Azam Baki, calling for their immediate release and defending their right to peaceful assembly.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the groups said the activists — identified as Hamdin, Fakrurrazzi (also known as Peko), and Ahsanul — are being investigated under multiple legal provisions, including Sections 186, 447, and 504 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act. The trio has been remanded for three days beginning April 8.
The coalition argued that the arrests were unjustified, stressing that the protest was peaceful and fell within the protections of Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and assembly.
“It is preposterous to suggest that a peaceful protest constitutes a threat to national security,” the statement said, adding that such actions risk undermining democratic principles.
The groups were sharply critical of Azam Baki’s leadership of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), alleging failures in addressing corruption and controversies surrounding his own conduct. They claimed public frustration over perceived inaction had driven citizens to protest.
According to the statement, the arrests could be seen as an attempt to intimidate the public and deter dissent, a move the coalition said Malaysians would not accept.
The organisations further urged authorities to uphold civil liberties and ensure that law enforcement actions remain proportionate and in line with constitutional protections.
The joint statement was endorsed by dozens of groups, including Suara Rakyat Malaysia, Bersih, Greenpeace Malaysia, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia, among others, reflecting widespread concern across civil society over the incident.
They concluded by reiterating their demand for the immediate release of the three activists and called for greater accountability in addressing corruption allegations.
