'Are we North Korea?' Lawyers condemn cops' midnight swoop on TikTokers

Vocal rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has slammed authorities for arresting two individuals over their comments on TikTok criticising Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government, stating that the duo was merely commenting on matters of public interest.

"Are criticisms of public policy or corruption now unlawful under the unity government? Is this North Korea?" asked LFL director Zaid Malek.

Bersatu Youth member Aidil Qayyum was arrested at his home at 1am today, while Muhammad Kamil Puteh, who frequently makes sarcastic comments targeting Anwar on TikTok, arrested at 3.30am.

Both are to be released this afternoon after the court denied police's application to remand them for four days.

They are being investigated under the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, laws frequently used against journalists and government critics.

On TikTok, Aidil has spoken out against the government's new subsidy scheme for RON95 petrol, under which a 300-litre monthly limit takes effect from today, with people required to present their MyKad and valid driving licence to continue enjoying the subsidised price.

Meanwhile, Kamil is known for his many cynical videos targeting Anwar and government leaders, including a recent one in which he commented on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's statement absolving Anwar of claims that he owned a bank account in Israel.

Zaid said neither of their comments warranted arrest or criminal investigation.

"These men merely commented on issues of public interest. Their arrests are a blatant abuse of power."

He said the petrol subsidy was a matter of public policy, while allegations of corruption involving the prime minister should be open to free discussion.

Zaid reminded authorities that freedom of speech is a constitutional right and cannot be limited "at the whims and fancies of Madani".

"Criticism of the government or questioning corruption would fall squarely within the ambit of the right to free speech, and it was something the current government leaders fought for once.

"There is no right of free speech in Malaysia, if government critics are constantly arrested and subjected to criminal investigation and threat of prosecution," he said.

He also condemned the use of the same laws that the current government leaders once fought to abolish.

"The continued existence of these draconian laws and its active usage under the unity government is a clear act of intimidation to the public at large from making any comments or criticisms of the government or its policies. It is an affront to the constitution and smells of authoritarianism.

"Most important of all, the government must honour their promise and take immediate steps to repeal the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the CMA".