Bold opening hook: A prominent graphic artist is in police custody over a social media post about a royal figure, highlighting how digital expression can collide with national laws. The Federal police have taken Fahmi Reza into custody in connection with a post about the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
According to his lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, Bukit Aman police summoned Fahmi to have his statement recorded today as part of investigations conducted under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act. Fahmi’s phone has been seized, and the lawyer indicated efforts are underway to secure bail for him.
Earlier in the week, more than 50 police reports were filed against Fahmi for allegedly insulting the Johor regent. The complaints came from various sources, including over 20 state assembly members, NGOs, youth groups, community leaders, individuals, and Johor executive council members Aznan Tamin and Khairin-Nisa Ismail.
This case follows Fahmi’s previous summons related to a TikTok livestream in which he used a sticker depicting a mouse with the word “PM,” a symbol referring to the prime minister, which drew police attention.
