As it happens: ‘Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah’ anti-corruption rally in Dataran Merdeka
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — The much anticipated anti-corruption rally “Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah” today was fairly uneventful after authorities decided to facilitate it rather than be antagonistic against it.
Starting at 2.30pm in front of the Sogo KL shopping mall, roughly 200 young protesters wearing black marched to the historic Dataran Merdeka before gathering peacefully — ending at just after 4pm after reiterating their demands to tackle corruption in the nation.
What happened earlier?
Rain did not seem to deter participants who broke off at 4pm while singing “terima kasih rakyat Malaysia”, signifying the end of the gathering.
Speakers had come from civil society, with no participation from political parties following warning from organisers.
They had earlier arrived at Dataran Merdeka, before removing the barricades that were placed around the venue, and gathered in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
It ended at just after 4pm after reiterating their demands to tackle corruption in the nation. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin It ended at just after 4pm after reiterating their demands to tackle corruption in the nation. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin
Previously, dozens of participants gathered in front of Sogo, chanting “Bangkit, Bangkit”, “Lawan tetap lawan” and “Lawan sampai menang” over beatings of the drums, while holding placards decrying corruption in politics. Traffic police officers were seen controlling the traffic flow around the area.
The main entrance of Sogo has been cordoned off with barricades and red tapes. A signboard saying “Prohibited to sit/gather and carry out any activities in this area” has been placed here. A Sogo spokesman told participants that the barricade was meant to protect its customers from any inconvenience caused by the crowd.
Cordon in front of Sogo KL ahead of the protest. — Picture by Muhammad Yusry
Why were they holding this protest?
The protest aimed to highlight alleged corruption in the country, aiming to bring the issue to the forefront — especially among the youths.
It seemed to be a continuation of public criticism against cases linked to Sabah politicians, including the recent appointment of Tun Musa Aman as governor, and an alleged scandal involving top state government leaders there.
According to the group, it was also concerned with the current administration’s alleged stance on corruption and recent acquittals in court involving Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
What were their demands to the government?
The organisers had three main demands:
Separation of the Attorney-General’s Chambers from the Prime Minister’s Office
Ensuring that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is free from political interference
Introduction of a Political Funding Act
Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah (SRBR) holding a press conference announcing the rally today on January 16, 2025. — Picture from X/SRBR
Who were the organisers?
Calling itself Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah (SRBR), the loose coalition was endorsed by 50 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and activist movements led by university students.
The group was staunchly politically neutral, and had warned political parties against co-opting its cause.
The rally were also endorsed by the Youth wings of PKR, PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia — who had been warned against bringing materials with their logos to the rally.
Participants of the rally at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin
What had the authorities said about this event?
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it will act as a facilitator to ensure the smooth running of the rally. He added that this aligns with the government’s commitment to uphold the right to freedom of assembly, as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
Prior to this, Saifuddin had reminded organisers to adhere to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA).
Saifuddin’s most recent remark came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he has no objection to the rally. Anwar, however, decried what he said attempts to link him to alleged scandals of previous administrations.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa previously said the police have yet to receive a revised notice from the organisers.
Prior to Anwar’s remark, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had insisted that organisers need to obtain a permit from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which is the site owner of the Dataran in accordance with the PAA.