PETALING JAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad today criticised the arrest of a man believed to be over remarks directed at Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, better known as TMJ, saying no one should be above criticism.
“I am disappointed that the social media activist has been arrested,” the prime minister said on Twitter.
Police arrested Firdaus Abdillah Hamzah in Pahang before bringing him to Johor.
Firdaus, who runs a current affairs website called Neon Berapi, had in the past taken potshots at Tunku Ismail on social media.
But Tunku Ismail has distanced himself from the arrest, saying the Johor palace never lodged any complaint with the police.
“This has nothing to do with us and please, in this holy month, my family and I would like to carry out our official duties to be with the people and perform rituals,” he said on Twitter.
Mahathir meanwhile said people should be allowed to criticise their leaders.
“Freedom of speech is important in a democracy. With the exception of threats, slander or insults towards ruling monarchs, any leader can be criticised without affecting the right of the people to voice out,” he said. - FMT
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