4 hours ago
THE arrest of three social activists during a protest at a speech by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has sparked concern over a potential regression in freedom of expression.
The incident occurred during a public engagement session attended by Azam on Tuesday (April 7), where three activists three activists were arrested following a peaceful protest at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur linked to the #TangkapAzamBaki campaign.
The campaign calls for the arrest and investigation of the MACC chief whom protesters allege owns excessive corporate shares.
MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said the individuals were engaged in a peaceful act and did not pose any threat to public order.
She described the incident as part of a broader pattern of authorities using state power to suppress public voices and foster a climate of fear.
“In any democratic society, the right to express views peacefully, particularly on matters concerning the integrity of public officials and institutions, is a fundamental liberty,” she stressed.
“This right is protected under Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression for all Malaysians.”
Saw questioned the legal basis for the arrests, noting that the individuals did not cause disorder, incite confrontation, or engage in any form of violence.
“Under such circumstances, on what legal basis were they arrested? Were such actions necessary and proportionate? The authorities must provide a clear and transparent explanation,” she said.
She added that even if the protest was deemed disruptive, enforcement authorities could have opted for less severe measures.
Saw Yee Fung (Image: Akhbar Rakyat)
“The appropriate response would have been on-site engagement, advisories, or a request for them to leave, rather than resorting to arrest and detention for investigation,” she said.
“Such a response is excessive and sends a dangerous signal that dissent is increasingly being treated as unlawful. If this continues, any form of civic expression could be at risk.”
Saw also criticised what she described as inconsistency in the government’s stance on freedom of expression.
“It is particularly disappointing that Pakatan Harapan, prior to assuming power, consistently championed freedom of expression and opposed the suppression of dissent,” she said.
“Yet now in government, enforcement actions appear more severe and far-reaching. This inconsistency undermines its moral standing and raises serious doubts about its commitment to institutional reform.”
She further questioned enforcement priorities, noting that concerns surrounding Azam’s integrity have yet to see a comprehensive and transparent resolution.
“Instead, the public is witnessing media organisations being investigated, journalists being questioned, and now even activists being arrested,” she said.
“This raises a fundamental question: are enforcement agencies safeguarding the public interest, or diverting attention from matters that warrant proper investigation?”
Saw warned that heavy-handed enforcement could erode institutional legitimacy over time.
“A responsible government must distinguish clearly between criticism and genuine threats. While such responses may suppress dissent in the short term, they risk undermining social stability in the long run,” she said.
She added that the incident could also affect Malaysia’s international standing.
“If even peaceful demonstrations are no longer tolerated, how will the international community assess Malaysia’s democratic maturity and commitment to the rule of law?” she said.
“This may affect not only human rights perceptions, but also investor confidence in the country’s governance environment.
“Enforcement should be based on law, not political pressure. Once public trust is weakened, the impact on national governance will be serious.” ‒ April 9, 2026
Main image: Sinar Daily
“The appropriate response would have been on-site engagement, advisories, or a request for them to leave, rather than resorting to arrest and detention for investigation,” she said.
“Such a response is excessive and sends a dangerous signal that dissent is increasingly being treated as unlawful. If this continues, any form of civic expression could be at risk.”
Saw also criticised what she described as inconsistency in the government’s stance on freedom of expression.
“It is particularly disappointing that Pakatan Harapan, prior to assuming power, consistently championed freedom of expression and opposed the suppression of dissent,” she said.
“Yet now in government, enforcement actions appear more severe and far-reaching. This inconsistency undermines its moral standing and raises serious doubts about its commitment to institutional reform.”
She further questioned enforcement priorities, noting that concerns surrounding Azam’s integrity have yet to see a comprehensive and transparent resolution.
“Instead, the public is witnessing media organisations being investigated, journalists being questioned, and now even activists being arrested,” she said.
“This raises a fundamental question: are enforcement agencies safeguarding the public interest, or diverting attention from matters that warrant proper investigation?”
Saw warned that heavy-handed enforcement could erode institutional legitimacy over time.
“A responsible government must distinguish clearly between criticism and genuine threats. While such responses may suppress dissent in the short term, they risk undermining social stability in the long run,” she said.
She added that the incident could also affect Malaysia’s international standing.
“If even peaceful demonstrations are no longer tolerated, how will the international community assess Malaysia’s democratic maturity and commitment to the rule of law?” she said.
“This may affect not only human rights perceptions, but also investor confidence in the country’s governance environment.
“Enforcement should be based on law, not political pressure. Once public trust is weakened, the impact on national governance will be serious.” ‒ April 9, 2026
Main image: Sinar Daily
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