Press Statement
Arrests of 3 ‘Tangkap Azam Baki’ protestors is authoritarian, unlawful & unconstitutional
8 April 2026
We refer to the arrests of 3 activists who protested against Azam Baki at an event attended by the MACC Chief at PWTC on 7 April 2026.
The arrests were high- handed, oppressive, unlawful and unconstitutional.
The 3 activists were merely exercising their right to freedom of speech, as guaranteed under Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution. This provision safeguards the fundamental right of all citizens in Malaysia to express themselves, including to question or criticise the government or the heads of enforcement bodies.
The protest carried out by the activists was a legitimate and lawful exercise of this constitutional freedom. Their arrest reflects a disregard for the rights afforded to them under the law and the constitution.
It is deeply concerning that a government and the prime minister who claim to be progressive and reformist would take such an action. This is particularly so, when members of the current government themselves had previously carried out similar forms of protests. This raises serious questions of consistency and accountability, and is hypocritical to say the least.
The issues surrounding Azam Baki has been a matter of national concern and of public interest for many months. The three activists, as part of the Sekretariat Tangkap Azam Baki, are fully entitled under the law to voice their views on this issue. Azam Baki is not entitled to any special protection by police against criticism or protests.
At no point did the activists endanger public safety. There was no hate speech, no threats, and no acts of violence. Their conduct remained peaceful throughout.
In the circumstances, no criminal offence whatsoever had been committed by the 3 activists.
We therefore call for the immediate release of the three brave activists who acted in the public interest — Hamdin Nordin, Ahsanul Akmal, and Muhammad Fakrurrazzi.
We further urge the PM and Govt to publicly undertake to protect and uphold the public’s constitutional right to peacefully protest and express their views.