KUALA LUMPUR: Graphic artist and designer Fahmi Reza has been blacklisted by the Immigration Department and is banned from leaving the country.

       The 44-year-old found out that his name was listed in the Immigration Department's blacklist.

       "I've been barred from renewing my passport and leaving the country.

       "The Immigration Department said the order came from Bukit Aman," according to Fahmi in a Facebook post on Saturday (April 23).

       Fahmi said he is currently trying to get a clearance from the police, as he needed to travel to Europe in May for a theatre performance.

       "If a convicted criminal who has 42 corruption charges can get clearance to go overseas, I hope Bukit Aman will also give me clearance. Don't practise double standards," added Fahmi.

       On Friday (April 22), Fahmi was called up by the police for questioning. He did not elaborate on the reason.

       On April 14, Fahmi was arrested over his drawing of a chimpanzee cartoon character dressed in what appeared similar to a royal attire.