Graphic artist Fahmi Reza is being investigated under three laws, including the Sedition Act, over a graphic calling newly appointed Sabah governor Musa Aman the state’s “number one corruptor”.
Fahmi said the police informed him that the probe was following a report lodged by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The investigations are under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), and Section 504 of the Penal Code.
Speaking to the media after giving his statement to the police, Fahmi criticised the Pakatan Harapan-led government for not keeping its promise to repeal Section 233 of the CMA, and have instead “strengthened it”.
He also criticised the government for not living up to its assurances that satire and parodies were protected under new amendments to Section 233 of the CMA.
“(In Parliament) the government, the minister (Fahmi Fadzil) said that satire and parody are allowed.
“The Bangi MP, Syahredzan Johan, who before joining DAP and becoming an MP was my lawyer in one of my cases (involving the CMA) also said that satire and parody were now allowed, were no longer a crime.
“What happened? I was investigated (over satire). What happened? Can we trust those in power?” he said.
“To Fahmi Fadzil, the communications minister, apa cerita (what happened)?” he also said.
‘Grossly offensive’ communications
Amendments to the CMA were approved by the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 9 and by the Senate on Dec 16.
However, the amendments do not appear to have been presented to the Agong for royal assent and given a date for when they are in force.
While satire and parody are supposed to be protected under the amendments, the amended Section 233 also provides for punishment for “grossly offensive” communications, which is not clearly defined.
Musa was appointed on Tuesday as the next Sabah governor - effective Jan 1.
He had a chequered past riddled with corruption allegations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also once lamented when corruption charges against Musa were withdrawn. - Mkini
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