Probe against Fahmi denies right to seek, get info on political system - Suaram

The police investigation into activist and graphic designer Fahmi Reza over his “Kelas Demokrasi” TikTok livestreams is a denial of the public’s right to seek and receive information on the workings of Malaysia’s political system, Suaram said.

Suaram executive director Azura Nasron said the criminalisation of non-partisan civic education, in this case, discussions on the functions of the state executive and legislature, and how Sabahans can participate meaningfully in the political process, highlights what civil society has long cautioned.

She noted that even after its amendment, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 remains overbroad and vague, leaving it open to arbitrary enforcement.

"This investigation sends a chilling message to educators and their audiences, effectively denying the right to seek, receive and impart information needed to understand our political system. When political literacy is policed, meaningful political participation erodes: people are less able to scrutinise authority, demand transparency, and engage in policy debate.

"It also, ironically, jars with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks in Ethiopia just four days ago that youth must be equal participants in politics, that Gen-Z energy for good governance should be harnessed, and that digital-native engagement should drive participatory democracy, transparency, and accountability," she added.

Azura lamented that investigating Fahmi over his Kelas Demokrasi streamings under Section 233 cuts against those commitments and deepens the already declining trust in institutions and digital misinformation that the government is working to fix.

She also demanded that the police drop the probe against Fahmi.

"We call on the police to immediately drop the Section 233 probe against Fahmi. In the context of the Sabah state election, authorities must not chill civic discourse. Voters, especially youth, need unimpeded access to non-partisan civic education to make informed choices," Azura added.

Mission continues

Fahmi yesterday said he has been summoned by the Bukit Aman police headquarters over the said livestreams, which he has been hosting in the lead-up to the 17th Sabah state election.

Taking to Facebook, he said he would be investigated over a specific video, which explained how voters could theoretically vote to dismiss Sabah governor Musa Aman.

“Even though Kelas Demokrasi has previously been censored, banned both online and offline, this is actually the first time I have been summoned by the police for it,” he said.

The activist clarified that he was still awaiting confirmation if he was being probed under Section 4 of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the CMA.

Fahmi confirmed that he would present himself to Bukit Aman today, but stressed that he would continue his mission to educate the public.

Last year, the activist was arrested and investigated for sedition after putting up caricature paintings of the Sabah governor, depicting him as “Sabah’s Number One Corruptor”.

It features Musa with his ceremonial headgear as Sabah governor, holding an RM100 note in his mouth.

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