We, the members of G25, express deep concern regarding Fahmi Reza’s recent case where he was barred from boarding an international flight to Singapore on 7 June.
Despite Inspector General of Police Razarudin Husain’s claim that there was no official ban on Fahmi and that he was only on a police monitoring list, the fact remains that Fahmi was still denied the ability to leave the country.
This is a clear violation of the fundamental freedom of movement as enshrined in Article 9 of our Federal Constitution. Such arbitrary interference with a citizen’s right to travel, especially without an official ban or prior notice or due process, undermines the rule of law.
While we welcome Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s response in calling for the deputy inspector general to conduct a full review of Fahmi’s travel restrictions, and for the police to provide further clarification on this matter, it remains to be seen whether meaningful accountability will follow.
Despite the inspector general admitting there was no actual travel restriction and blaming the incident on “confusion”, neither the police nor the Immigration Department has apologised or taken responsibility. This is particularly troubling in a case that clearly undermines public trust and violates fundamental freedoms.
We, G25, believe that, at the very least, Fahmi is owed a public apology by those responsible, and we call upon the police and the Immigration Department to do so.
Fahmi has long been subject to legal harassment for his political art. He has faced numerous investigations and charges for his satirical works that critique government figures, policies and institutions.
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The recent actions taken against him stand in contrast to the promises of democratic reform made by the current administration.
On 21 December 2024, Prime Minister Anwar publicly stated: “I don’t agree if criticism leads to arrest,” in apparent reference to Fahmi’s then ongoing investigations.
On 8 June 2025, Anwar reaffirmed that the Madani government upholds individual freedoms as long as they do not threaten national security or breach existing laws.
This latest incident came just nine days after Fahmi was barred from entering Sabah on 29 May 2025, allegedly due to a satirical caricature he created of Musa Aman, who had recently been appointed as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah.
These repeated restrictions, especially when dismissed as “errors” or administrative “confusion,” reflect not only a troubling erosion of due process and a growing pattern of arbitrary infringement on constitutionally protected rights, but also risk diminishing Malaysia’s standing in the eyes of the international community.
When such incidents occur with increasing frequency, they become more than isolated lapses, they signal systemic issues that are both concerning and frankly embarrassing on the global stage.
It is imperative that the Madani government address these matters transparently and decisively to restore public confidence in our country’s administration and prevent further domestic and international speculation about the state of governance and civil liberties in our country.
G25 reaffirms that the right to freedom of expression, including satire and artistic dissent, is a vital element of a healthy democracy. It is also a right protected by virtue of Article 10 of our Federal Constitution.
Moreover, Article 9 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of movement, and any restriction must be clearly prescribed by law, justified and proportionate.
The lack of transparency in the justification for both Fahmi’s Sabah entry ban and the “unofficial” international travel block raises serious questions about the use of state mechanisms in the face of dissenting voices.
The repeated attempts to restrict Fahmi’s movement and expression are not isolated incidents, but signs of a wider decline in the basic freedoms that all should be able to enjoy.
We, the members of G25, urge the authorities at all levels to exercise transparency and accountability when exercising their duties in all matters involving the fundamental liberties of our people.
Fahmi’s case has become a litmus test for Malaysia’s claim as a constitutional democracy which upholds the rights of its people. If artistic and critical voices are continually harassed under the guise of legal or administrative procedures, the credibility of the “Madani” (civil and compassionate) government’s commitment to constitutional freedoms will be severely undermined.
We, G25, believe that the treatment of Fahmi represents not just an individual injustice but a dangerous precedent for all in Malaysia.
It is imperative that Malaysia’s democratic space be preserved, that the rule of law be respected, and that no one be punished for holding those in power to account or for merely expressing their opposing views creatively.
G25 stands firmly for justice, transparency, and the protection of constitutional rights in Malaysia.
G25 calls on the Madani government to do the same and ensure that the authorities and administration at all levels follow suit. – G25
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Love your writing. Well expressed and to the point.