Fahmi Reza (also known by his social media moniker @kuasasiswa) set the internet on fire over his recent satirical artwork featuring Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim. Surprisingly, the Pahang regent himself appears to have reacted positively to the art piece.
Soon after that, Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris, came up with a post on his Twitter. In his tweet, the Crown Prince of Johor apologised to the local graphic artist for blocking him on social media. At the same time, he also expressed his interest in meeting Fahmi in person.
For those in the dark, Fahmi’s Twitter was blocked by TMJ’s account a while back, after he posted several satirical pieces on the Johor Prince. After getting the green light by Tengku Hassanal regarding his recent artwork on him. the street artist went on to compare how the Pahang Prince understands and accepts his work, while on the other hand, TMJ blocks him on social media.
It didn’t take long before Fahmi’s post came to TMJ’s attention. As seen in the photo shared by TMJ, he wrote to Fahmi, “Sorry. My admin had blocked you (online). I’ve told them to unblock you. I invited you to meet back then but you didn’t want to. I will ask Marina to arrange.” He also tweeted, “Sorry. Hope we get to meet. I like to meet those who are anti-monarchy. Interesting.”
Fahmi later shared his response to TMJ on his Twitter. In his message to the Crown Prince, he wrote, “Sorry, normally I would always reject and not entertain invitations to meet with any politician, head of government or anyone from the royalty to avoid the impression that I’m biased or close with anyone.”
He added by telling the 38-year-old prince that it would be easier for me to remain as an independent activist. “I hope you understand why I rejected your offer. If we were to meet, all of the political sheep will label me as ‘TMJ’s lackey’. Thank you for asking your admin to unblock. We can just talk through Twitter,” Fahmi wrote in his DM to the newly-appointed Regent of Johor.
Afterwards, TMJ then responded by saying that he understood Fahmi’s reasoning, and wished him luck in his future endeavour.
