Lift travel ban against Fahmi Reza, DAP Youth urges authorities

Summary

• DAP Youth has condemned the “heavy-handed” travel ban on satirical artist Fahmi Reza and urges for its immediate and unconditional removal.

• The group argues that satire and criticism are part of democratic discourse and warns against the misuse of administrative powers to suppress dissent.

DAP Youth has condemned the travel ban against Fahmi Reza as heavy-handed and uncalled for, urging for it to be lifted immediately and unconditionally.

It’s publicity chief Ho Chi Yang said the move undermines the government’s efforts to promote the freedom of expression, while the wing’s leader Woo Kah Leong said the government’s image should not be tarnished by such a ban.

“Someone who merely mocks through words and caricatures should not be banned and prevented from travelling,” said Woo (above) in a statement today.

“If the writings and drawings are indeed unlawful, then bring the individual to justice and let a judge decide, not use administrative powers to prevent him from going abroad.”

‘Not a police state’

In a separate statement, Ho emphasised that the role of law enforcement agencies is to maintain public order, not to suppress dissent and criticism.

“Malaysia is not a police state. The people have a right to express diverse opinions.

“Law enforcement agencies move on with the times, uphold fundamental human rights, and embrace the democratic spirit - instead of returning to the oppressive practices of past regimes and becoming moral police that constantly monitor and clamp down on free expression,” he said.

Ho argued that Fahmi’s use of satirical art to criticise public figures, social injustice, and flawed policies is not a criminal offence, but part of a healthy democratic discourse.

He added that the unfair treatment of Fahmi shows that law enforcement agencies are still overly sensitive to dissent and satire, which shrinks the public’s basic liberties and freedom of expression.

‘Ask Bukit Aman’

Earlier today, Fahmi had attempted to board a flight to Singapore to attend concerts by two of his favourite punk bands.

However, he found out he was barred from travelling abroad.

He claimed that an immigration officer at the airport told him that the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters had not granted him permission to leave the country.

When Fahmi asked the officer why, he was told to ask Bukit Aman.

Last week, he was denied entry into Sabah and was deported upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

He was presented with a refusal of entry notice on arrival, and he claimed that the order came from the Sabah Chief Minister’s Office.

Late last December, the artist-activist was arrested in Sabah for putting up caricatures that painted Musa Aman as a corrupt individual.

He was subsequently deported from the state in early January.

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