Sedition probes: Fahmi affirms 'no direct instruction' but urges self-reflection

PARLIAMENT | Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today affirmed that he has never instructed a probe of persons suspected of offensive remarks.

However, he said certain individuals should self-reflect to avoid repeated arrests.

Fahmi said this to Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Independent-Tasek Gelugor) in his Budget 2026 winding-up speech, who cited recent arrests of, among others, blogger Papagomo or Wan Azri Wan Deris; Bersatu Youth executive council member Ashraf Hayup Khan; and a Bersatu division leader, Badrul Hisham Shaharin or Chegubard.

“To prevent (arrests), that’s not my right. I did not give any orders (to arrest). If the enforcement officers feel there is a reason to conduct an investigation, then let them investigate.

“Perhaps, as the names mentioned earlier, Wan Azri, for example, if he feels he’s frequently being arrested, maybe he should ask himself, ‘Why so often?’

“Maybe a thought will stir within him, and a light will shine upon him to change his attitude - perhaps that’s what will stop him from being arrested,” said Fahmi.

Earlier today, Free Malaysia Today quoted lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali confirming Wan Azri’s latest arrest last night, one week after a prior arrest on Oct 26 and subsequent remand for alleged sedition, among others.

In his interjection, Wan Saiful cited the arrests and said he is “confused” on whether there is a difference between the present and past governments, in the context of upholding the people’s rights to freedom of speech.

He argued this was because the present government had pledged to uphold freedom of speech and accused the past administration of suppression.

“It appears that there is no difference,” he added.

‘Make a movie’

In allowing Wan Saiful’s interjection, Fahmi said he sympathised with the former Bersatu leader, who was recently sacked from the party.

Earlier in his speech, Fahmi, while elaborating on issues related to local film productions, quipped that Wan Saiful should “make a movie” based on the recent political dramas within Bersatu.

“First of all, I would like to express my condolences, and I hope Tasek Gelugor (Wan Saiful) remains strong in facing this great test. You are a good man, and you don’t deserve to be treated this way,” said Fahmi.

A smiling Wan Saiful responded, “Thank you. The Indera Mahkota MP (Saifuddin Abdullah) as well.”

“Another victim - perhaps we can make a movie about it,” Fahmi quipped, drawing laughter from the house.

On Oct 14, Wan Saiful was expelled from Bersatu, while Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) was suspended from the party for one term.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin will be attending a meeting with the Bersatu disciplinary board on Thursday, following allegations of his involvement in a movement to challenge party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s position.

Report by Alyaa Alhadjri, Zarrah Morden, B Nantha Kumar

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