The Malaysian Insight

ARTIST Fahmi Reza remained defiant and unbowed after a day’s remand today, saying he will not stop his satirical posts on social media. 

Fahmi, who was released from remand this afternoon, said he is ready to face court charges for allegedly insulting royalty and will not stop making art that is critical of those in power.

“As a designer who does a lot of political satire for art, I will not stop making graphics that criticise the people in power,” he told reporters today after his release from the Dang Wangi police station.

Fahmi was released at 5.58pm today.

He was arrested at his home last night and brought to the police station in Kuala Lumpur where police were given a one-day remand order by a magistrate this morning.

Fahmi is being investigated under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act over posts showing his Spotify playlist with jealousy-themed songs in reference to the “Dengki ke?” comment by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah on her Instagram account last week.

“My postings and my Spotify playlist will not be deleted and I’m ready to face any charges that will be filed against me in court,” Fahmi said after his release.

“The authorities can try to arrest or accuse me multiple times, but I will never give up nor delete any of my post.”

Fahmi’s Spotify playlist has a photo of the Queen and is a play on her answer to an Instagram commenter who asked if chefs working at the palace had also received the Covid-19 vaccine out of queue with the rest of other royals as alleged in an article by Asia Sentinel.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba has denied the article while the palace has yet to respond to the allegations.

Fahmi also said after his release that police have confiscated his laptop, charger, modem, router and two phones.

Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhil Shaari of PAS had lodged a police report against the graphic artist, alleging that he had insulted royalty. – April 24, 2021.