Fahmi arrested over post on Johor regent, cops seize phone

 

Activist Fahmi Reza has been arrested in connection with an investigation over his posting on X about Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

The graphic artist 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 police have seized Fahmi’s phone.

“We are working on securing his release on bail,” he added.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported Fahmi as saying that he had been called in for questioning under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.

“Police have called. Let’s dance!” he posted on social media, alongside a notice from Bukit Aman.

According to the notice, the investigation stems from a police report lodged at the Bukit Indah police station in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on Dec 16.

Johor state media previously reported that more than 50 police reports have been lodged against Fahmi (above, middle) over his postings concerning Tunku Ismail.

Bukit Aman’s notice for Fahmi Reza

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.

Fahmi has yet to respond to Malaysiakini’s request for comment.

‘Consistent relationship’

In total, since Dec 15, Fahmi has made nine postings related to the Johor royalty.

Earlier this month, Fahmi 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.

Fahmi Reza’s cheeky caricature illustrating his ‘relationship’ with the police

Following the incident, DAP Youth criticised the police, reminding authorities that the era of dictatorial regimes that suppress critics is over.

“The Madani government should continue to inspire hope among the people by differentiating the current administration from past regimes by respecting freedom of dissent rather than silencing satirists,” said its chief, Woo Kah Leong, in a statement. - Mkini