(Kuala Lumpur) — While the government announced the appointment of a new MACC Chief Commissioner, the “Arrest Azam Baki” rally proceeded as planned, drawing more than a thousand participants. Although an incident involving unidentified individuals setting off firecrackers occurred, no injuries were reported, and the rally ended peacefully after about two and a half hours.
The gathering was scheduled to begin at 3pm, with participants assembling outside Sogo shopping complex before marching towards Dataran Merdeka. Along the way, unknown individuals suddenly ignited firecrackers, causing sparks and thick smoke, prompting panic among the crowd. Police then deployed trucks to block the route and sealed off the area for investigation.
Unhappy with the roadblock, protesters linked arms to form a human chain and prepared to confront the police. Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli stepped in to negotiate with the authorities. Both sides eventually reached an agreement not to proceed to Dataran Merdeka.
Rafizi later delivered a speech at the site, stating that over 1,000 people had attended before announcing the dispersal of the rally.
In addition to Rafizi, several members of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) were present, including Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong, Semambu state assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang, and Rawang state assemblyman Chai Wei Jie.
Meanwhile, Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shahzali said after the rally that initial estimates put attendance at around 300 people. The gathering ended peacefully at 5:35pm, with no reports of injuries or property damage.
He added that police may call in the rally organisers and relevant individuals to record statements to assist in the investigation.
