The man who allegedly criticised the Johor royalty on social media will be released after an application to extend his remand was denied

Man who allegedly criticised Johor royalty to be released

THE STAR

PETALING JAYA: The man who allegedly criticised the Johor royalty on social media will be released after an application to extend his remand was denied on Friday.

Non-governmental body Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) said 29-year-old Muhamad Masyhur Abdullah would be released from police custody before midnight Friday.

Johor Baru magistrate's court assistant registrar Nuriza Mustafa denied the extension of remand.

"The police's application to extend the remand has been rejected by the assistant registrar of the Johor Baru magistrate's court, Puan Nuriza. Masyhur will be released today before midnight," Suaram said in a brief Facebook posting.

Masyhur, a supporter of the Pahang football team, was arrested under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act on Wednesday for allegedly making disparaging remarks against Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

Masyhur is understood to have commented on an image of Tunku Ismail, which was posted on the Johor Southern Tigers' Facebook page.

The image depicted Tunku Ismail, the owner of Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) football club, having a meal and on his plate was a miniature elephant with the words "CEO" written on it.

The elephant is the mascot of the Pahang football team, known as Tok Gajah, which lost 0-6 to JDT in the Super League last Saturday.