2 nabbed from their homes in wee hours in latest clampdown on free speech

Police arrested two individuals from their homes early today for uploading online content critical of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in what is seen as the government's latest crackdown on free speech.

Aidil Qayyum, who is part of Bersatu Youth's new media section, was arrested at his home at 1am today, believed to be over his comments critical of the government's new subsidy scheme for RON95 petrol.

He is being investigated under the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code related to causing "fear or alarm to the public".

All three laws have frequently been used by authorities against journalists and government critics.

Meanwhile, TikToker Muhammad Kamil Puteh, one of a growing number of Malaysians unaffiliated with political parties who have been actively criticising the government, was arrested at his home at 3.30am over his cynical comments on a recent statement by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) absolving Anwar of claims that he kept a bank account in Israel.

"MACC worked very fast. They investigated all 20 accounts, and it's now confirmed there is no corruption at all," Kamil said in a TikTok video.

MACC recently said there was no truth in the claim that Anwar had 20 bank accounts, including in Israel, and warned the public "against speculation that could mislead the public or tarnish the reputation of any person without valid grounds".

The claim was first made in 2013 by then Barisan Nasional Simpang Renggam MP Liang Teck Meng, who said the information originated from a list published by prominent whistleblower site WikiLeaks.

According to MACC, WikiLeaks had denied publishing such a list.

Both Kamil and Aidil have been brought to the Dang Wangi police station for remand, according to Kamil's lawyer, Rafique Rashid.

However, the magistrate denied the application to remand them for four days and ordered their release after 24 hours. Both are expected to be released this afternoon.

Political intimidation

Armada (Bersatu Youth) information chief Harris Idaham Rashid has strongly condemned Aidil's arrest and the latest use of the Sedition Act.

"Armada will continue to oppose the use of this act against the youth for the purpose of political intimidation," he said.

Meanwhile, prominent TikToker Na'im Brundage, who is also the communications head of Bersatu Youth, said the use of the Sedition Act against Aidil showed Pakatan Harapan's hypocrisy.

"This is an act once labelled as 'cruel' by Pakatan Harapan in their last election manifesto.

"This cruel act that they supposedly wanted to abolish is now being used against a young man for speaking out on issues affecting the people. It seems that the law is only cruel when it is used against them, but not when it is used against their political opponents," Na'im told MalaysiaNow.

Aidil has previously questioned Anwar's announcement to limit subsidised RON95 fuel for Malaysians to 300 litres per month.

Starting today, Malaysians will have to present their identity cards at petrol stations nationwide to buy RON95 petrol at the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre.

It also comes with a condition that they have a valid driving licence, failing which they will pay RM2.60 per litre.

Aidil questioned the assumption that those who use petrol beyond the 300-litre limit are considered rich.

"Even so, are the rich not Malaysian citizens too? Fuel subsidies have always been exclusive to all Malaysians. Are you saying that those who are wealthier and pay more taxes are not entitled to subsidies that ultimately come from their own money?" he said in a TikTok video.

"What exactly defines the rich? What about those who earn low wages but use a lot of fuel in their daily lives? Don't be blind, subsidies are increasingly being removed every day.

"It is clear that the Madani government is a failed government. They say one thing and do something else. In fact, it is worse than any previous government."