RIGHTS group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has condemned the likes of Media Prima, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the National Art Gallery for dictating what artists can and cannot do in their work.

LFL director Melissa Sasidaran said while freedom of speech and expression is not absolute it is also not for these entities to be the self-appointed guardians of what amounts to public morality and “sensitivities”.

“We would like to remind all the parties above that their actions of dictating what artists and performers can or cannot do are detrimental to the arts and entertainment scene as they interfere with the creative freedom of artists and performers.

“Further, such actions only perpetuate self-censorship, as artists and performers are then compelled to create ‘safe’ art and performances if they want the support and facilities of the arts and entertainment industry,” Sasidaran said in a statement.

On February 4, the National Art Gallery removed four artworks by visual artist Ahmad Fuad Osman, after a gallery board member alleged that the pieces were political and obscene.

Three days later, on February 7, entertainment group Rare was only granted a permit by the MBSA to perform on the programme Sepahtu Reunion Live 2020 in Shah Alam after the group apologised for satirising the Pakatan Harapan government during the Maharaja Lawak Mega 2019 event.

On Sunday, rock group Drama Band was censured by Media Prima Television Networks chief executive officer Johan Ishak over its performance at the Anugerah Juara Lagu which parodied several public figures, including former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.

The video of the band performing on the stage was later removed from TV3’s YouTube channel.

Sasidaran said censorship should not occur in New Malaysia, adding that there is now greater freedom and openness that must be protected and promoted.

“These actions do a disservice to the democratic progress the country is making, which has resulted in Malaysia achieving its highest ever ranking in the Global Democracy Index in 2019.

“We urge the arts and entertainment industry to embrace the greater freedom of speech and expression afforded in Malaysia Baru.

“Why stifle artists and performers when instead we can nurture, support and promote their creativity? By doing so, perhaps one day Malaysia may also produce our own world-class artists and entertainers.” – February 12, 2020.