Lebih 150 berhimpun bantah ‘mafia korporat’

Nearly 150 people gathered in the capital to protest against allegations of a "corporate mafia" and the arrest of two young Mandiri activists. The participants began arriving around 3 in the afternoon, and their numbers grew to approximately 150 by 5 in the afternoon. Among those present were former PKR MP Wong Chen, Muda Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, PBM President Ronnie Liu, DAP Youth Leader Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, and activist Hishamuddin Rais.

The protesters made three main demands to the government: establishing the Royal Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (RCI) to investigate allegations of "corporate mafia," halting dual criminalization laws, and ending poor treatment of activists. When addressing the attendees, Mandiri Executive Director Amir Hadi questioned the use of the Anti-Wrongdoing and Prevention of Financial and Economic Crimes Act 2001 (Amla) against activists.

This followed the arrest of Amir and Mandiri Executive Director Dobby Chew for several days to assist in the investigation of money laundering. Amir stated that the authorities should not detain someone and freeze their bank accounts until it is proven that a mistake has occurred. At the beginning of the year, Bloomberg reported allegations that a group of businessmen and SPRM officials used bribes and surveillance to pressure executives into selling stocks in a targeted company.

The news agency also reported allegations that the then-SPRM chief prosecutor, Azam Baki, violated royal prerogative by leaking information related to state-owned company stock holdings, though he denied it. These allegations sparked calls for the establishment of the RCI to conduct investigations, including from DAP leader Ronnie Liu.

During the rally, Wong, now a member of Bersatu, stated that the purpose of the RCI is to establish facts, not to assume guilt. "We are not saying they are guilty. We just want the Royal Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Azam and 'corporate mafia'," he said. Setiausaha Agung Muda Ainie Haziqah Shafii urged young people to continue speaking out even when they disagree with government actions, regardless of the coalition in power.

"Only because Pakatan Harapan is in the government, don't stop speaking out. If they are wrong, say they are wrong," she said.