After patrol car threat, Fahmi under fire for 'disrespectful' remarks on Mahathir's age

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has come under fire from social media users over a jibe on the age of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, more than a month after he was widely criticised for threatening TikTok users with police action if they uploaded comments critical of the government.

On Friday, the PKR communications chief used the term "Maha Tua" to refer to the 98-year-old, mocking the former prime minister's performance in the general election last year when he was defeated in Langkawi, Kedah.

"He can give visions and his instincts; he read that PN (Perikatan Nasional) can win 5-1. Hey, Maha Tua! You lost in Langkawi; you lost the deposit!" he told the crowd attending a Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) event in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya.

The full video of Fahmi's speech has since been uploaded to YouTube by the pro-PH news portal, Malaysiakini.

Fahmi made the remarks in response to Mahathir's prediction that PN would easily win a 5-1 majority in the upcoming state elections on Aug 12.

Many internet users who watched the video expressed disappointment with the minister, calling him disrespectful despite being "inexperienced" in politics. They also reminded Fahmi not to mock Mahathir, who is considered an esteemed leader in the eyes of the world.

"You're just a greenhorn; Tun Mahathir has rendered significant services to the country.

Even if you've been an MP for decades, it's not certain that you can advance Malaysia like Tun M," wrote mohdfairuz9876.

Another user, Mohd Saif, questioned Fahmi's 40-minute speech, deeming it as empty and lacking new ideas for the state election campaign.

A few others, meanwhile, said they foresee a short-lived political career for Fahmi due to his disrespect towards the elders and experienced individuals.

"He will continue to rely solely on PMX (Anwar) to speak up," wrote TaibAhmad4218.

"Be careful when criticising the elders. Don't insult those who have contributed to the country," said studio0733.

Earlier, Prime Mnister Anwar Ibrahim also took a jab at Mahathir's predictions, saying that the former leader's predictions about the outcome of the 15th general election were also wrong.

"Forget about his predictions. When he contested in Langkawi, he said he would win big, (but) when the results came out, he lost his deposit," he said while speaking at the launch of the Sentuhan Kasih Desa programme at the Central Terengganu Development Authority, or Ketengah, on Friday.

On June 26, a TikTok Live event hosted by Fahmi ended with him threatening viewers with police action for posting comments critical of him and the current government.

Fahmi was two hours into the event when he appeared to have had it with the avalanche of comments mocking him and questioning many of the government's policies.

"All of you who participate in my live sessions and make statements like this are being monitored by the authorities.

"Don't get upset with me if there is a call or a radio car outside your house. We're monitoring; behave yourself," he had said.