Larry Sng said politicians should always expect criticisms in any form, adding that it was “part and parcel” of a politician’s life.

“Politicians should not expect the public to kiss their feet wherever they go. If you did (something) wrong, people should be allowed to criticise them.

“Fahmi’s art is reflective of the truth. Some people just can’t handle the truth,” he told FMT.

The Julau MP was asked to elaborate on his Facebook post in which he defended Fahmi when he said the authorities should not waste time going after the artist who was “merely expressing what most people are already thinking”.

Sng also uploaded the artwork Fahmi had created when he was appointed as the Malaysian Palm Oil Council chairman in 2021.

Asked what he thought of Fahmi’s artwork that took a swipe at him, Sng said he “took it lightly”. And, in this case, he does not believe that Fahmi did anything wrong.

“We should give space for people to express their opinions,” he said.

Sng is the latest MP to come to Fahmi’s defence. Earlier today, Subang MP Wong Chen and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung also criticised the investigation against Fahmi over his latest graphic.

Wong said political satire and parody works should not be deemed a crime and expressed hope that the police would be impartial in conducting the probe.

Lee said the Federal Constitution provides for freedom of speech over matters including art, adding that while Fahmi’s artwork may be critical, it is a reflection of the public’s concern about social and political issues.

The artist is being investigated under the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for the improper use of network facilities, and Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Fahmi said the police told him that he is being investigated after the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission filed a report over the graphic.