KUALA LUMPUR: Activist and graphic artist Fahmi Reza was released on police bail this afternoon after several hours of questioning at Bukit Aman over Facebook posts involving the Johor Regent.
His lawyer, Yohendra Nadarajan, confirmed the release when contacted by the New Straits Times at about 8pm.
“Yes, Fahmi has been released on police bail, but his handphone is still with the police, pending the ongoing investigation into allegations of him posting two defamatory posts on Facebook related to the Johor Regent,” he said in a text message.
Fahmi‘s bail comes hours after he appeared at Bukit Aman this morning accompanied by lawyers Yohendra and Rajsurian Pillai, following a notice issued under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
He was arrested at 10.20am and his statement was recorded by the Classified Crimes Investigation Unit (USJT) under the Federal Criminal Investigation Department’s D5 division.
Fahmi is being investigated over a Facebook post on Dec 15 that allegedly insulted the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, widely known as TMJ.
Earlier, police said they had received 284 reports nationwide concerning the post.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/1340808/284-reports-filed-following-fahmi-rezas-facebook-post-police
In a statement, Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said investigations focus on a defamatory statement “insulting the Royal Institution of His Royal Highness the Johor Regent” posted on Fahmi’s Facebook account.
The probe is being carried out under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment up to three years, or both. Section 233 of the CMA allows for fines up to RM500,000 or imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Kumar confirmed that police had also seized a mobile phone believed to have been used to upload the content.
“Police emphasise that firm action without compromise will be taken against any individual who insults the Royal Institution under existing legal provisions,” he said.
Lawyer Rajsurian confirmed Fahmi had complied with the Section 111 notice to attend Bukit Aman at 9.30am, adding that the legal team had been working towards securing his release on bail.
Fahmi, well-known for his political artwork and previous legal run-ins, has also posted a photograph of him, standing outside Bukit Aman.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
