SUBANG JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says that he disagreed should graphic artist Fahmi Reza be charged or detained by authorities.
Fahmi was recently summoned by Bukit Aman over a satire piece.
"Frankly, I think for the purpose of this matter, I want to tell agencies like Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police that on the criticisms towards the Prime Minister, let it be.
"On Fahmi Reza, I disagree if he is charged or detained," he said during an interview with chief editors here on Saturday (Dec 21).
Fahmi is being investigated by Bukit Aman over a graphic on newly appointed Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman.
Anwar said he personally did not believe that all criticism towards the government or the prime minister requires a police probe.
However, he said if the matter involves sensitive matters like the Malay Rulers or the religion, they should be subjected to such probes.
"If it involves cases related to the Malay Rulers, it is beyond me.
"The Conference of Rulers would not allow any of its members to be 'kicked around' as they are unable to respond and are above politics," he said.
"We also need to remember that at times, (for those) related to race or religion, that will be hard, because if we allow or condone it, it will lead to disunity," said Anwar.
