ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned about the arrest and remand of three human rights defenders for peacefully demonstrating against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Azam Baki while he was delivering a speech at the World Trade Centre on 7 April. Despite their release early on the morning of 9 April under police bail, we emphasise that the authorities took disproportionate, illegitimate action against the activists, and urge them to cease all investigations against them. The government must uphold their right to peaceful protest.
The three human rights defenders targeted are Hamdin Nordin, president of the youth organisation Liga Rakyat Demokratik; Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal, coordinator of the youth-led organisation MANDIRI; and Ahsanul Akmal Sulam, activist from the student group Liga Mahasiswa. They were investigated under Section 186 (obstructing any public servant in discharging his public functions), Section 447 (punishment for criminal trespass), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) of the Penal Code, and Section 14 (insulting behaviour) of the Minor Offences Act. ARTICLE 19 urges the authorities to immediately refrain from any further intimidation of the three human rights defenders.
On 7 April, the three activists held up placards that said “Tangkap Azam Baki” (Arrest Azam Baki) during a speech by the MACC Chief Commissioner. They were arrested by auxiliary police that same day and remanded for three days. This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened public concern following Bloomberg reports relating to allegations of misuse of power involving the MACC, including claims of a so-called ‘corporate mafia’ network, as well as the probing of other human rights defenders.
‘The arrests, subsequent remand, and use of a slew of laws are grossly disproportionate responses to individuals peacefully exercising their right to raise matters of public interest. Without legitimate reasons, the authorities should not interfere with the right to peaceful assembly and expression, which are essential for holding public officials to account. The continued harassment against human rights defenders risks entrenching a culture of impunity that shields institutions from public scrutiny and criticism,’ said Alfred Wu, Head of the Asia-Pacific Programme at ARTICLE 19.
We further note that MANDIRI’s X account was found to be suspended shortly following the incident, although the reasons behind the block remain unclear.
‘The Malaysian authorities must move beyond the rhetoric of reform promises and take concrete steps to ensure that human rights defenders can operate – both on the ground and online – without fear of reprisals or arbitrary hurdles that impede their work. ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with civil society in Malaysia and calls on the authorities to immediately end all harassment and criminalisation against peaceful activists, and to uphold their right to highlight important issues on governance and human rights without fear of arrest or intimidation,’ added Alfred Wu.