MCMC probes Threads post allegedly insulting Negeri Sembilan royalty

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating an individual over a Threads post allegedly insulting the Negeri Sembilan royal institution.

The commission said the investigation followed a complaint about a post concerning the position of Negeri Sembilan ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

In a statement, MCMC said it had questioned the individual concerned at the Labu police station to establish the facts surrounding the post.

It also seized a mobile phone and an eSIM for forensic examination as part of an investigation under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, on the improper use of network facilities or services.

MCMC said it was also investigating how the post had been shared on social media and would work with other enforcement agencies if further offences were identified.

It reminded the public to exercise freedom of speech responsibly and respect the royal institution, adding that any enforcement action would be based on evidence and due legal process.

The investigation comes amid a dispute over the Negeri Sembilan throne, following attempts by four undangs to remove Tuanku Muhriz and replace him with Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar.

The move has been rejected by the palace and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

In a Bernama report, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said MCMC was also investigating several incidents of coordinated inauthentic behaviour (CIB) targeting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Tuanku Muhriz, who is the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

He said over 2,000 pieces of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or highly offensive content, along with 600 fake accounts, had been identified as insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Preliminary investigations by MCMC found that most of the fake accounts attacking the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Facebook were believed to originate from overseas.

“Investigations are ongoing, and if we positively identify specific individuals, we will bring them to justice,” he added.