PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has criticised the arrest of a social media user yesterday for allegedly posting embarrassing tweets about the Johor royalty.

He said he was disappointed with the arrest of Firdaus Abdillah Hamzah by the Johor police as everyone has the right to criticise others.

“Freedom of speech is important in a democracy. With the exception of threats, slander or insults towards ruling monarchs, any leader can be criticised without affecting the right of the people to voice out,” he said in his Twitter.

“I am disappointed with the arrest of the social media activist.”

According to Firdaus’ friend Mutalib Uthman, the former was arrested yesterday for allegedly posting tweets which had embarrassed the Johor royalty.

Police had arrested Firdaus in Pahang before bringing him to Johor.

He was released by the Johor police at about 4.50pm today after his statement was recorded. He was released on police bail, said his lawyer Mohammad Muzammil Mohammad Hairiri.

Firdaus runs a current affairs website called Neon Berapi and had in the past taken potshots at Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim on social media.

Tunku Ismail meanwhile had tweeted to say that the arrest had nothing to do with the Johor palace.

“This has nothing to do with us and please, in this holy month, my family and I would like to carry out our official duties to be with the people and perform rituals,” he said on Twitter. – May 10, 2019.