Firdaus Abdillah Hamzah has been freed on police bail less than two hours after Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad tweeted his disagreement with the writer's arrest.
Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that Firdaus was detained over his remarks on social media regarding Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
According to a source familiar with the case, the writer was released from the Tampoi police station in Johor Bahru at about 4.45pm.
“He was arrested in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, last night and brought to Johor at about 11pm.
“This morning, he was taken to court for remand proceedings,” the source, who declined to be named, told Malaysiakini this evening.
The source said police confiscated Firdaus' mobile phone to facilitate investigations under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The section deals with the offence of improper use of network facilities, network service, or application service.
As for now, the source said, Firdaus has not been informed of any further action against him.
Earlier, Mahathir said he regretted the arrest since the people have the freedom to criticise leaders.
Prior to this, Tunku Ismail said the Johor palace has never lodged police reports on such matters.
Activist Fahmi Redza, who posted about the arrest on his Facebook page, said the Pakatan Harapan government should not tread the same path as its predecessor.
Fahmi, who is known for his clown-faced caricature of former premier Najib Abdul Razak, said the previous government had stifled criticism on social media. - Mkini
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