KUALA LUMPUR – Activist and graphic designer Fahmi Reza, who was detained by police in Sabah to assist in an investigation under the Sedition Act 1948, has been released and returned to Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon.
Penampang District Police Chief Sammy Newton confirmed the release to the media today.
Fahmi was arrested on Monday at the Penampang District Police Headquarters (IPD) in Sabah after he attended to give a statement regarding his work, which involved the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah.
The arrest followed over 30 police reports, including one concerning a caricature poster that was alleged to have insulted Tun Musa Aman.
The case involving him is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 504 of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
However, Fahmi Reza’s detention has been met with protests from various groups, including non-governmental organisations concerned with human rights, such as Bersih and Aliran, who view it as a form of restriction on freedom of speech.
Yesterday, the PKR Youth called for the immediate release of the activist and graphic designer, who is currently in police custody in Sabah.
The wing’s Legal and Law Bureau Chief, Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi, said that Fahmi’s detention is inconsistent with the principles and values upheld by the Madani Government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously expressed disagreement with the arrest or prosecution of Fahmi in relation to his work concerning Musa’s appointment. – January 1, 2024