Hishamuddin Rais (also known under the pen-name of Isha Raism) is a Malaysian film director, stand-up comedian, political and social activist.
His subsequent entry into Malaysian politics came after he returned to Malaysia in 1994 after having graduated in film and video from the University of Westminster, London in 1992.
He organised several street demonstrations from 1998 to 2000 following the ouster of the deputy prime minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim.
In 2001, Hishamuddin was arrested under the section 71(3) of the Internal Security Act 1984 on the charge of conspiracy to overthrow the government with threats and violence.
In 2013, together with Tian Chua and Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Hishammuddin was charged with sedition for their speeches at Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on 13 May.