Dissent Is Not A Crime!

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) condemns the arrest and detention of three activists - Hamdin Nordin, Ahsanul Akmal, and Muhammad Fakrurazzi - for their exercise of freedom of expression during the speech by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Azam Baki at the World Trade Centre today.

The activists, who were registered attendees of the forum, exercised their right to dissent in a manner that was entirely non-disruptive. By all accounts, Azam Baki was able to continue his address unperturbed, showing that the silent holding of placards posed no threat to the proceedings or public safety. Under international human rights standards, an act of expression remains protected even if it annoys or gives offence to its target. The arrest and detention of these activists for investigations into alleged insulting behaviour (Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955), intentional insult meant to provoke a breach of peace (Section 504 of the Penal Code), and criminal trespass (Section 447 of the Penal Code) is thus a flagrant violation of the principles of necessity and proportionality, serving no legitimate purpose other than to insulate a public official from scrutiny.

By weaponising law enforcement to silence dissent rather than engage with it, Azam Baki has ironically demonstrated the exact lack of "firm and uncompromising leadership" that he preaches in his keynote address, and more importantly, a leadership that demands integrity from the ecosystem while remaining shielded from the same standard.

SUARAM demands the immediate and unconditional release of Hamdin Nordin, Ahsanul Akmal, and Muhammad Fakrurazzi. We further call for the immediate cessation of all investigations against these activists. The focus of our enforcement agencies should remain squarely on the unresolved allegations against Azam Baki and the MACC, rather than the criminalisation of citizens who have the courage to demand for the practice of the very integrity that he preaches.

In solidarity,

Azura Nasron

Executive Director of SUARAM