Thousands gathered at Kuala Lumpur’s Dataran Merdeka on Saturday, demanding a Royal Commission of Inquiry into accusations surrounding outgoing anti‑graft chief Azam Baki. Police cordoned the square, deploying armored vehicles and riot‑gear units to restrict access. The rally lasted over two hours, briefly flaring when firecrackers were set off, but order was restored quickly.

The protest follows two February stories by Bloomberg that put Azam Baki under scrutiny. One report flagged shareholdings in a financial‑services firm exceeding the legal ceiling for public officials; the other alleged a network of businessmen colluding with MACC officers to intimidate corporate executives and force board changes. Both the commission and Baki denied the claims.

Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli used the rally to underline broader worries about institutional decay and corruption in Malaysia’s public sector. He urged lawmakers to act swiftly, arguing that a formal inquiry would restore confidence among investors who monitor governance standards closely. The call reflects mounting pressure on the anti‑corruption agency ahead of its leadership transition.

On the same day, the prime minister announced Abdul Halim Aman as Baki’s successor, with the handover slated for next month. The appointment aims to steady the agency as it navigates ongoing probes and public scrutiny. Market participants will watch how Aman’s tenure influences enforcement actions and whether it eases foreign investors’ concerns about regulatory risk.