Hakam notes with grave concern the National Art Gallery’s decision to take down four paintings of visual artist Ahmad Fuad Osman’s exhibition: At The End Of The Day Even Art Is Not Important (1990-2019).

This was reportedly pursuant to a complaint by a board member of the gallery itself.

Some of the four paintings depicted politicians or contained political elements.

This led to Fuad’s request to close down the entire exhibition.

Hakam condemns the gallery’s decision to curtail and censor artistic expression.

Freedom of artistic expression is part and parcel of the freedom of speech protected under Article 10 of the federal constitution.

Politics plays a big part in our everyday lives. Art, in turn, is a reflection of life.

Politics should not in any way be deemed as “sensitive”, “unsuitable” or “undesirable” in the arts.

In fact, the arts should readily comment, critique and satirise politics in order to produce an enlightened electorate.

The gallery, of all bodies, should hold true to these principles.

Hakam therefore urges the gallery to revoke its decision to take down Fuad’s paintings.

Hakam also requests the gallery and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s commitment to not censor artistic expression in the future, and to fully respect the freedom of artistic expression.

* Lim Wei Jiet is secretary-general of Hakam

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.