KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — A planned rally against outgoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki started slowly this afternoon, its momentum dampened by a downpour and the government’s surprise announcement this morning that Azam would be replaced.
As of 2.30pm, just a dozen or so attendees, some wearing black and yellow protest colours, had gathered at the designated assembly point outside the Sogo shopping mall.
Police officers were seen moving in shortly after, dispersing the small crowd from the mall’s entrance and sealing it off from public access, including from the assembled press.
The protest’s turnout comes after the government unexpectedly announced this morning that Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman will be the next MACC chief commissioner.
The appointment effectively confirms that Azam Baki will not have his contract extended for a fourth year.
Despite the small numbers and the news, the mood remained calm, with attendees heard shouting slogans calling for systemic reform of the MACC and for punitive action to still be taken against Azam, even after his departure.
MORE TO COME
