ARTICLE 19 is concerned with the government’s lack of commitment to the people’s right to protest. On 2 February, the Dang Wangi district police headquarters investigated 10 individuals under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012 for organising the student-led anti-corruption rally that took place on 25 January. The ongoing intimidation against the organisers and the participants must end immediately.
3 additional participants have been summoned for questioning at a later date. 2 of the 3 are reported to be summoned to a police station in Sabah. The assembly was held as a continuation to the demonstrations against the appointment of Musa Aman as state governor that have taken place in Sabah on 31 December 2024.
“The government that claims to champion anti-corruption reforms is now investigating those advocating for it. It should listen to the voices of young people rather than intimidate them,” Senior Malaysia Programme Officer at ARTICLE 19 Nalini Elumalai said, “The right to protest and freedom of expression are fundamental to nation building and must remain accessible to everyone, regardless of political stance, age or identity.”
More than 200 people gathered to echo 3 key demands: The separation of the Attorney-General’s Chambers from the Prime Minister’s Office, placing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under parliamentary oversight, and enacting the long-awaited Political Financing Act to curb illicit political donations. These demands reflect pressing governance concerns, particularly in light of a recent series of high-profile corruption cases.
The Malaysian government’s approach to the right to protest remains inconsistent and deeply alarming. The investigations occurred after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly urged the youth to reject corruption. This contradiction highlights the government’s failure to uphold its commitment to fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of expression. If the government is serious about reform, it must end the use of the PAA to stifle protests and take immediate steps to repeal the law.
“The investigation into the rally-goers is nothing more than an attempt to suppress public pressure for reform. Issues such as corruption affect everyone in society and should be expected to garner public interest.” said Nalini. “This administration cannot expect to maintain credibility by punishing those calling for transparency and accountability.”
ARTICLE 19 urges the Malaysian government to drop any further investigations into the organisers or participants of the anti-corruption rally and ensure that all individuals can exercise their right to peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.
For more information
Nalini Elumalai, Senior Malaysia Programme Officer [email protected].