KUALA LUMPUR, April 26. 2026 — Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli delivered a sharp closing speech at yesterday’s “Tangkap Azam Baki” rally, warning that Malaysia’s battle against corruption is far from over because the country’s system still revolves around the dangerous fusion of money and official positions.
In a post on X this morning sharing the key points of his 10-minute address, Rafizi stressed the need for sustained public pressure to break the cycle.
“The most important thing is why our journey to eradicate the cancer of corruption in society is still long. Because our national system and society are still centered on money and position. They are interconnected,” he wrote.
“People chase positions to get money, with money you can get positions. With money and position, everything can be bought.
“If corruption is widespread, the rules for ordinary citizens are not the same as the rules for those with money and positions.
“That is why we must fight corruption, so that our society does not succumb to the temptation of money when they are given positions of trust.
“As long as we cannot achieve this, today’s demonstration is merely one episode in a long series of episodes.”
The rally, held on April 25 at Sogo KL, drew around 500 participants despite heavy rain and a morning announcement that Tan Sri Azam Baki’s tenure as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief would not be extended.
Protesters continued to demand institutional reforms at the MACC and a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into allegations of a “corporate mafia” and collusion involving the agency, even after the government named a successor.
Rafizi, who was among several opposition and civil society figures present, also led the crowd in a collective pledge to keep pushing for an independent RCI.
The gathering saw tense moments, including a brief tussle between protesters and police, as well as a short fireworks incident that organisers and leaders described as sabotage.
Police have since said they will call up rally organisers and participants over the fireworks.
Rafizi framed the protest not as a partisan issue but as a broader call to protect public institutions from undue influence.
His X post, which included a video of the speech, has drawn supportive reactions from netizens who praised the clarity and urgency of the message.
The “Tangkap Azam Baki” movement, now in its second major outing, continues to highlight public concern over accountability and the independence of anti-graft bodies ahead of the next general election.
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