THE #TangkapAzamBaki rally planned for tomorrow will go on as scheduled but the venue has been changed to the Bangsar LRT station, the organisers said. 

“Looking at the situation, we as concerned Malaysians have no choice but to continue with the #TangkapAzamBaki rally tomorrow at 11am under the Bangsar LRT bridge, Jalan Bangsar,” the Tangkap Azam Baki Action Committee said in a statement tonight.

The change of venue comes after police obtained a court order banning any gathering at Dataran Merdeka, Sogo shopping complex and Masjid Jamek.

Police also decided to divert traffic and close several train stations in response to the demonstration. 

Dang Wangi district police chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the court order was received yesterday and it would be in force for seven days. 

He advised the public against taking part in any activity that goes against the law.  

The rally was organised by civil society groups and the youth wings of several opposition parties following the controversy surrounding Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki. 

The Tangkap Azam Baki Action Committee expressed its disappointment at the police for diverting traffic and closing train stations, putting Kuala Lumpur in a state of “lockdown” just for one individual.  

It said the police’s action shows Azam is treated as if he is a very powerful person in the country. 

“This outrageous act gives the impression as if there are secrets involving high-profile characters wanting to be covered up, especially in relation to issues of corruption and abuse of power,” it said.  

“We have not forgotten. Former prime minister Najib Razak himself was arrested by the police because he was involved in corruption.  

“On the other hand, Azam is only the chief commissioner of the MACC but he seems to be more invulnerable and powerful than the person who once held the highest position in the country.”

The committee said resigning to pressure is no longer an option and that it wants to fight and ensure the rule of law is upheld as mentioned in the Rukun Negara.

“We call on all citizens who love the country to be with us, defend integrity and spread hatred against corruption and bribery,” it added.  

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

The organisers said they will ensure that the rally is conducted peacefully in accordance with the standard operating procedures to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 infections. – January 21, 2022.