I don’t believe Fahmi Reza should be charged, says Anwar

 

Fahmi Reza is being investigated by Bukit Aman under the Sedition Act 1948, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA)1998 for improper use of network facilities, and Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

PETALING JAYA: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he does not believe action should be taken against graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza over his controversial artwork.

“I don’t believe he should be charged or arrested.

“Not every criticism against the government needs to be investigated by the authorities,” he said at a press conference today.

Fahmi is being investigated by Bukit Aman under the Sedition Act 1948, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA)1998 for improper use of network facilities, and Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Anwar also said Section 233 of CMA is still necessary for cases involving pornography and cyberbullying, citing the case of influencer A Rajeswary.

He said he cannot stop the authorities from acting in matters of race, religion and royalty.

“Because they (royalty) are not in the ‘game’, they cannot respond. Sometimes, there are also provocative statements that touch on racial and religious sentiments.

“I don’t agree for action to be taken against all cases, but we don’t condone criticisms related to race and religion.”

Rajeswary, 29, was found dead at her home in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, on July 5. The Hindu rights activist, also known as Esha, had filed a police report the day before against two people for allegedly harassing her on TikTok. - FMT