LEADERS, NGOS LODGE POLICE REPORTS OVER ALLEGED INSULT TO JOHOR ROYAL INSTITUTION

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Several Johor state leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and elected representatives today lodged police reports over a social media post alleged to contain extreme, provocative statements and visuals that insult the Johor Royal Institution.

Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the reports were lodged together with State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On.

He said the post, which used the name Fahmi Reza, not only offended the people of Johor but could also spark public unease and tension if left unaddressed.

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“Such actions clearly challenge the principles of constitutional monarchy as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and have the potential to disrupt public harmony, security and social stability.

“All the police reports were lodged in relation to statements by Fahmi Reza that are viewed as seditious and insulting towards the Regent of Johor and the Johor Royal Institution,” he said in a media statement today.

Aznan stressed that the Malay Rulers’ Institution is a key pillar of national unity, stability and continuity, and any attempt to demean or provoke public sentiment against it is wholly unacceptable.

He said the police reports involved various NGOs and youth organisations at the state and district levels, UMNO Youth wings, more than 20 Johor state assemblymen, as well as UMNO division chiefs, to enable the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to conduct a swift, transparent and comprehensive investigation and take firm action under existing laws, including the Sedition Act 1948 and other relevant legislation.

Yesterday, a Facebook post by an individual named Fahmi Reza went viral after touching on the Johor Royal Institution, particularly with content questioning the actions and accountability of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.

The post drew widespread criticism from social media users, many of whom condemned the individual’s actions.

Meanwhile, Johor police, in a brief statement, said the case is being investigated by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department at Bukit Aman.

-- BERNAMA