KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): The Youth wings of Democratic Action Party (DAPSY) and Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA Youth) will both join the April 25 Tangkap Azam Baki rally, in a rare show of unity despite political differences.
The rally, organised by the TangkapAzamBaki Secretariat—made up of civil society groups, activists and youth organisations including Bersih — aims to demand accountability and justice.
MCA Youth Central Committee member and deputy head of publicity bureau for MCA and MCA Youth Chai Jie Yang told The Edge its participation reflects a shared national interest, while DAPSY national secretary Lim Chun Weng stressed to The Edge that its involvement is based on principle, not political alignment.
"DAPSY joining this protest is not to voice support towards any party or individual, but to act and seek justice as this is a matter of national interest," Lim said.
Both sides clarified they are attending independently, not as a coalition.
Lim also clarified that DAPSY’s participation is not an indication that DAP plans to distance itself from the Madani government or Pakatan Harapan for GE16, stating that no such decision or indication has been made by the party leadership.
DAPSY in a statement released on Thursday said it supports the rally to push for a full investigation into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), following controversies involving its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. These include allegations over shareholdings exceeding limits for civil servants and claims linking MACC officers to a “corporate mafia” scandal involving business collusion.
Azam has denied all allegations and filed a defamation suit against Bloomberg. The MACC has also denied wrongdoing.
The movement recently held a "Grand Finale Jelajah #TangkapAzamBaki” talk at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), featuring speakers such as former economy minister and Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. Subang MP Wong Chen and Muda president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz were also in attendance.
Rafizi, who has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the case, confirmed he will attend the upcoming assembly to deliver the closing speech, framing the protest as a necessary citizen-led effort for accountability.
Earlier on Thursday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in a Facebook post said he will "determine [a] new candidate to lead" the MACC.
Section 5(1) states that the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister. The King may appoint the candidate or candidates nominated by the prime minister. This is also in line with Article 40(1) and (1A) of the Federal Constitution, which states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must act on the advice of the Cabinet when carrying out his functions.