INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani should ensure police facilitate and not suppress anti-corruption demonstrators, said Lim Kit Siang.

Malaysia will become an international “laughing stock” if cops suppress the protest against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki, he added.

“Azam precipitated the protest.

“He has not been able to be the prime example of accountability, integrity and probity in the public service by refusing to be answerable to Parliament and comply with the MACC Act 2009.

“Police (should not be) suppressing the anti-corruption demonstration when they should be facilitating it.”

Police have shut the Bangsar LRT station and diverted traffic from the area ahead of the #TangkapAzamBaki protest today.

Brickfields police chief Amihizam Abdul Shukor said the move is to prevent people from gathering near the station.

The traffic diversion on five roads in and around Bangsar started at 7am and will remain until the situation eases.

The DAP veteran said MACC should be leading the demonstration, in line with its objective “to promote integrity and accountability”.

“Where in the world is there an anti-corruption demonstration against the head of the anti-corruption agency in the country. This is a reflection of the perilous state of corruption in the country.

“This is unheard of and inconceivable, yet police are intent on suppressing this anti-corruption demonstration instead of facilitating it.”

“It is time for police to transform itself from an instrument of state repression to the guardian of anti-corruption campaigns, democracy and human rights.

The #TangkapAzamBaki movement is supported by 33 civil society groups and 11 political organisations.

The movement’s action committee said it is disappointed in police for putting the capital city in a state of “lockdown” over one individual.

Police are acting as though Azam is “very powerful”, it added. – January 22, 2022.