SUBANG JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he disagrees whether graphic designer Fahmi Reza should be charged or detained by authorities.

Fahmi was recently summoned by Bukit Aman for a satirical article.

“Frankly, I think in this matter, I want to say to agencies like the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police that when it comes to criticism of the Prime Minister, that he so be it.

“Regarding Fahmi Reza, I do not agree whether he is charged or detained,” he said in an interview with editors here on Saturday (December 21).

Fahmi is being investigated by Bukit Aman over a graphic on new Sabah governor Tun Musa Aman.

Anwar said he personally did not think all criticism of the government or the prime minister required a police investigation.

However, he said if the matter involved sensitive topics like Malay leaders or religion, they should be subjected to such investigations.

“If these are cases linked to Malaysian leaders, it is beyond me.

“The Conference of Leaders would not allow any of its members to be ‘rushed’ because they are incapable of reacting and are above politics,” he said.

“We must also remember that sometimes, (for those) related to race or religion, it will be difficult, because if we allow it or tolerate it, it will lead to disunity,” Anwar said.