KUALA LUMPUR – Three activists have been remanded for three days following an incident in which they disrupted a speech by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC) yesterday.
Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Fadil Marsus, confirmed that the remand order for the three men takes effect today.
“They are being investigated for obstructing public officials in the discharge of their duties, as well as offences of incitement, threats, and trespass,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur contingent police headquarters today.
Fadil added that investigations are ongoing and the remand application has been filed to allow authorities to complete the inquiries promptly, after which the matter will be referred for legal action.
The incident occurred around 2.45pm during the opening speech of the Wacana Ilmiah Perdana, which was also attended by the Special Committee on Corruption (JKMR) member Young Syefura Othman.
Other panelists present included MACC deputy chief commissioner, Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman; chief executive of the Federation of Malaysian Employers, Datuk Seri Rosman Mohamed; and the vice chancellor of Asia University, Professor Dr Noor Raihan Ab Hamid.
Eyewitnesses reported that two men approached Azam, raising placards and shouting, causing a commotion during the official event.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the president of the Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) Jais Abdul Karim expressed concern over the disruption.
“In a democracy, freedom of speech is a right that must be respected. However, this freedom does not give anyone a licence to behave rudely, provoke, or disturb public order,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
Jais added that brandishing placards and creating disruptions during an official programme does not constitute mature advocacy, but rather reflects a failure to understand the balance between rights and responsibilities.
“Malaysia’s constitution provides legal channels for expressing views, including formal complaints, open forums, or legal processes. MCW believes that the authorities’ decision to detain and remand the individuals is consistent with existing laws concerning interference with public officials and public order,” he said.
“This is not about silencing voices, but about upholding social discipline and the rule of law. At the same time, the fight against corruption demands integrity, wisdom, and discipline, not reckless emotions or populist actions. Genuine advocacy for integrity must also be conducted with integrity,” Jais emphasised.
“The struggle against corruption cannot be tainted by disrespectful or irresponsible behaviour. The country needs civilised reformists, not street provocateurs who undermine the credibility of the cause.” – April 8, 2026