Protesters urge action against ‘corporate mafia’, arrest of activists

Around 150 individuals convened outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur to demonstrate against alleged corporate corruption and the recent arrest of two Mandiri activists. The gathering began around 3pm and grew to approximately 150 before tapering off by 5pm. Prominent attendees included former PKR MP Wong Chen, Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, PBM information chief Ronnie Liu, DAP Youth vice-chief Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, and activist Hishamuddin Rais.

The protesters presented three key demands to the government: the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry into the corporate mafia allegations, the cessation of perceived double standards in law enforcement, and an end to the maltreatment of activists. During the protest, Mandiri executive director Amir Hadi criticized the application of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) against activists.

He emphasized that authorities should not detain individuals or freeze their bank accounts prior to any charges being filed, stressing that such actions do not silence the public's voice.

Amir further stated that Mandiri would persist in advocating against corruption and pushing for the investigation and prosecution of those linked to the alleged corporate mafia. Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported suspicions that a syndicate of businessmen and MACC officials employed raids and investigations to coerce executives into selling shares in targeted companies.

Bloomberg also alleged that former MACC chief Azam Baki had violated a government circular on civil servant shareholdings, a claim he denied. This sparked demands for an RCI (royal commission of inquiry) to investigate the allegations, with DAP leaders joining the call.

Wong, who is now affiliated with Bersama, clarified that an RCI is intended to ascertain the facts without presuming guilt. He reiterated the protesters' stance, saying, "We are not saying they are already found guilty. We just want an RCI into Azam and the corporate mafia." Muda secretary-general Ainie Haziqah Shafii called upon young Malaysians to maintain their vocal opposition to the government regardless of which coalition holds power.

She urged them to speak out when they perceive the government to be wrong, asserting that dissent should not be silenced simply because the ruling coalition is different.