OPPOSITION MPs and a civil rights group are urging Putrajaya to release political cartoonist Fahmi Reza immediately following his arrest last night.

Lawmakers Lim Kit Siang and Maria Chin Abdullah both say that Fahmi’s artwork is not a crime.

Fahmi, a graphic artist known for his political satire cartoons, was arrested at 7pm yesterday by Dang Wangi police.

“Malaysia is swiftly sliding down the abyss of oppression and authoritarianism – the latest example being the arrest of artist-activist Fahmi Reza.

“I join the call for the immediate and unconditional release of Fahmi as political satire is not a crime,” said the Iskandar Puteri lawmaker.

Maria added that Fahmi’s work was an expression in art form, and said it is time that political cartoons be given due recognition as they do provide insights into key social issues and events.

“Graphics with political satire is not a crime but an expression in art form. Through artistic cartoons, a cartoonist can speak about the excesses and failings of elites and hold leaders accountable. It is part of the freedom of expression as guaranteed in Article 10 of our federal constitution,” the Petaling Jaya MP said.

Maria also said the arrest was a travesty of justice and puts another nail in the coffin on the waning democracy in Malaysia. 

In a statement last night, police confirmed they had detained Fahmi for allegedly insulting the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said the case was being investigated by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit, Prosecution and Law Division (D5) under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

He said police would submit a remand application against the suspect today.

Meanwhile, the Freedom of Expression cluster condemned Fahmi’s arrest, branding it as unwarranted and demonstrates the current government’s persistent heavy-handed response to any form of expression that is critical of ruling powers.

The group further said satire in any form plays an important role in society as a space for commentary, discussion and debate on shared values.

“Political satire in particular, plays an important role to engage with institutional power in a way that creates space for humour. Such a space should be defended as a vital part of public participation, to enable a robust civic discourse and healthy democracy that is able to withstand critique and differing opinions.

“Criminalising insults or satirical posts, which do not pose serious threats to national security, public morality and public order, does not constitute a legitimate restriction on the freedom of expression.

“We demand that Fahmi Reza be released with no further delay. Any attempts to violate and undermine our fundamental freedoms should not be tolerated,” it said.

A few days ago, Fahmi published a design using the queen’s face with a caption “Dengki ke” (Are you jealous?) on Facebook.

It is believed the caption was referring to an Instagram conversation between her and a follower, who asked if her chefs had also received unapproved Covid-19 vaccines.

The queen replied: “Dengki ke”.

Not long after the post went viral, social media users began using the #dengkiKe hashtag before it began to trend on social media.

The queen later deactivated her Instagram account but reactivated it with a motivational quote.

Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhil Shaari of PAS lodged a police report, alleging that Fahmi had insulted the monarchy.

Recently, Hong Kong-based news portal Asia Sentinal also alleged Yang di-Pertuan Agong al-sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had obtained China-made Sinopharm vaccines, which have not yet been approved by the Health Ministry, from a prince in the UAE.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba denied the report, saying it was baseless as all vaccines purchased by the government went through strict procedures.

One of the king’s doctors, who was named in the report, also denies he was involved. – April 24, 2021.