reports, with media reporting that a total of 284 complaints were filed against the activist for allegedly insulting the Crown Prince 196. Some of those who lodged the reports were reportedly Johor state assembly members, non-governmental organizations, youth groups, and community leaders. In Malaysia, race, religion, and royalty—commonly referred to as the “3Rs”—is a sensitive socio-political topic concerning ethnic relations, Islam’s status, and the monarchy. The government of Anwar Ibrahim has been perceived as cracking down harshly on freedom of speech related to the 3Rs. In July 2025, Anwar issued a “final warning” to the public not to exploit the 3Rs to undermine national security197. He added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would monitor the situation without exception. In 2023, Anwar Ibrahim justified the use of the Sedition Act when it involves the monarchy198. His comment stemmed from the case of Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, then the caretaker head of government in the Malaysian state of Kedah. The comment can be seen to have a political dimension, as Sanusi is from the opposition PAS. He was charged in 2023 under the Sedition Act for remarks allegedly insulting the Sultan of Selangor, Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. The comment regarding the Sultan of Selangor concerned his appointment of the head of government in Selangor, Amirudin bin Shari, who is from Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition. The comment involving the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong related to the Sultan’s role in the formation of Anwar Ibrahim’s government, given the political vacuum that followed the 2022 general election, which resulted in a hung parliament. Sanusi was acquitted in both cases in December 2024 and February 2025, respectively199, 200. “Fahmi Reza Out on Police Bail After Post on TMJ Sparks 284 Police Reports.” Malay Mail, 20 Dec. 2025, www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/20/fahmi-reza-out-on-police-bail-after-post-on-tmjsparks-284-police-reports/202578. 197. Final Warning to Those Playing Up 3R Issues.” Ministry of Communications, 11 July 2025, www. komunikasi.gov.my/en/public/news/24381-final-warning-to-those-playing-up-3r-issues-anwar. 198. Lim, Ida. “PM Anwar Justifies Sedition Act in Cases Involving Royalty.” Malay Mail, 18 July 2023, www. malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/18/pm-anwar-justifies-sedition-act-in-cases-involvingroyalty/80362. 199. “Sanusi Freed of One Sedition Charge Against Selangor Sultan.” Free Malaysia Today, 10 Dec. 2024, staging-beta.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/12/10/sanusi-freed-of-one-seditioncharge-against-selangor-sultan. 200. Asyraf, Faisal. “Sanusi Acquitted of Sedition Against Ex-King.” Free Malaysia Today, 24 Feb. 2025, www. freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/02/24/sanusi-acquitted-of-sedition-against-former-agong. 196. 48