Cops release Fahmi, activist vows to keep speaking out

 

Graphic artist Fahmi Reza has been released on police bail following his arrest in connection with an investigation over his posting on X about Johor Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

Taking to Facebook, the activist vowed to defend his right to freedom of expression, stressing that people should never be afraid of the elites and government.

“At 10.20am, I was arrested by officers from Bukit Aman under the Sedition Act and Akta Sakit Hati (‘Hurt Feelings Act’ referring to the Communications and Multimedia Act).

“A total of 284 police reports were lodged over my posts on TMJ (Tengku Mahkota Johor, or the Johor regent).

“After questioning, the police decided to release me under police bail. No matter how many times I get reported, investigated, and arrested, I will continue to defend my right to freedom of expression.

“The people should not be afraid of the government and elites; rather, it is they who should be afraid of the people,” Fahmi said.

Social media posts

Earlier, Fahmi was detained after being summoned for questioning by Bukit Aman this afternoon. He was accompanied by his lawyers Rajsurian Pillai and Yohendra Nadarajan.

Rajsurian told Malaysiakini that the police have seized Fahmi’s phone.

In a social media post on Dec 15, Fahmi questioned why Tunku Ismail appeared able to act as he pleased without facing any legal repercussions, though it was unclear what prompted the posting.

The post, however, came less than a week after a company headed by the Johor regent launched a new cryptocurrency stablecoin, RMJDT.

‘Consistent relationship’

Since Dec 15, Fahmi has made nine postings related to Johor royalty.

Earlier this month, he marked his 20th “date” with the police with a cheeky caricature illustrating what he described as a “long-running relationship” that has remained consistent.

“This is already the 20th time. Our relationship is very consistent… They call, I show up,” he quipped.

At the time, Fahmi was questioned over a sticker depicting a brown mouse wearing a tie and coat, with the letters “PM” on its clothing, which appeared during his “Kelas Demokrasi” TikTok livestreams. - Mkini