YOURSAY ‘Why take offence at an artist's interpretation of his view? ’
Portrait of Agong from behind causing a stir
Bemman: Whatever reasons artist Vincent Leong may have for showing the backs of those who are apparently the leaders of Malaysia, I have no idea.
But I guess the backs of leaders would be what their followers who walk behind them would see. Why don't the likes of Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) see the pictures in this way instead of being offended by them?
In the final analysis, no one can really offend anybody who chooses not to be offended and those who love to be offended can always find even the slightest excuse to be offended.
Fogbom: I wish to assure PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat that, whether intended or not, my feelings as a Malaysian, are certainly not hurt by the paintings.
Suhaizan should stop talking as if he speaks for all Malaysians; he only speaks for a small minority of thin-skinned people, who probably need to develop more maturity.
The artist has made a pungent statement on certain rigid aspects of society, forcing us to think about common banalities while being quite difficult to pin down on a charge of "giving offence."
There is a culture in society of taking offence, of being easily offended or easily influenced. Some even think there is an unspoken "right not to be offended".
MfM: From the legal standpoint, nothing can be done. Leong may be a Malaysian, but the art is on display in Singapore. There is no jurisdiction there.
Why do people like to make a volcano out of a molehill? There's nothing here to talk about. Some like looking at people from behind. I would think there's something wrong up there, but hey you can't fix all the weirdos in the world.
Forget about it anyway. There are far more pressing issues at hand, like helping the flood victims.
Fair Play: Leaving aside the portraits (all featuring from the rear view), I wonder why did Leong title the exhibit as 'Why Malaysia' and hold it in Singapore? That alone is more than enough to cause controversy, especially all and sundry are highly 'sensitive' nowadays.
Haveagreatday: Is this not artistic license? Who the portraits represent is up to the person viewing it. Why take offence at an artist's interpretation of his view?
Abasir: On second thought, I think Perkasa and Isma have misinterpreted the depictions. I believe the artist is sincerely telling Malaysians to respectfully and obediently follow their leaders ... from behind. Isn't that what good followership is about?
Vijay47: Quite obviously, Suhaizan's excessive association with Perkasa and Isma has caused his already limited intelligence to plunge south, and I don't mean to Singapore.
The exhibition at MBS (Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre) down south, and I mean in Singapore, must be a godsend to crazies such as we have amongst the Muslim-Malay lunatic fringe to burst out in defence of race, religion, and royalty.
What does Suhaizan mean when he says, "If the paintings were intended to insult, then it would hurt the feelings of Malaysians". So let us say that the paintings were not intended to insult. So they do not insult?
Alternatively, if they were meant to insult, they do? What if Leong chooses not to explain, or like the Grand Old Duke of York the paintings were neither up nor down, would you be insulted?
Yeah, I know, even my own queries are driving me around the bend. But I do not intend to insult me.
Hang Babeuf: Those who feel like complaining should just "butt out".
Jeffrey wants Asean help to restore Sabah’s rights
Anonymous #20513663: Dream on, Star chief Jeffrey Kitingan. When has Asean ever done about human rights? What has Malaysia, 'champion of Muslims', ever done for the Rohingyas of Myanmar?
Malaysia has even deported Muslim Uighurs back to China despite the harsh conditions (to put it mildly) they would likely face upon their return.
Asean governments are a lost cause. They may try to approach Asean civil society as an avenue to raise awareness. Asean NGOs are starting to form blocs now, which is a good thing.
RCZ: The only ones who can help you are yourselves. If the Sabah people keep voting BN then other countries can't do anything, and neither can you, Jeffrey.
So please address the problem to your people, educate them and let them decide, because their decision also affects Peninsular Malaysia.
The people of East Malaysia are being exploited and used. If they can't see that, too bad for all of us.
Snake-in-the-grass: Come on Sabahans, don't you know you can vote for the right people? Why have you allowed the few crooks to sell your state for their own gains? Kick them out.
Rajakera: Jeffrey, you and your Kadazan/Dusun/Sungai Bangsa people must start to develop some strong principles, get united and draw out an agreement with Pakatan Rakyat, and then work with the opposition coalition to right the wrongs done to Sabah.
I cannot see any other way forward for Sabah and Sarawak. Race/religious politics must end in Sabah and the way out is Pakatan. Foreign countries will not be able to do much. Change must be negotiated and worked out from within.
Many have given you this advice, please replace your advisors if they have been misguiding you. We love Sabah and want the best for the 'Land below the wind'.
Having your own small party is like saying 'saa voh poh'. You only end up with weak knees.
Continue-The-March: Indeed, why is it that Jeffrey cannot work with Pakatan but instead founded Star to have three-cornered fights with Pakatan to the advantage of Umno Baru in Sabah?
Jeffrey has literally joined almost all the parties, hopping from one to another. His list of party membership: PBS, PKRS, Akar, UPKP, Umno (rejected), PKR and Star. And maybe eventually MCA too?
Negarawan: At the end of the day, it is the people of Sabah and Sarawak who must make the decision, especially the Christians.
How long more do Sabahans and Sarawakians want to remain as the safe deposit for Umno, only to be milked of its natural assets and resources for lopsided development and benefits to the peninsula, and to enrich certain Umno-linked individuals?
Not to mention the rights of Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians have been disrespected and trampled upon as evident by Bible confiscations and the ban on the use of the word 'Allah' in their worship.
Anonymous #25558299: Jeffrey, you and your people are mistreated because of your own greed, selfishness and stupidity.
Sabahans know that Umno-BN has plundered Sabah and Sarawak, but still your people keep voting for them to stay in power and enriched themselves.
Your people and your idiotic BN leaders allowed the peninsular BN leaders to dominate Sabah. Too late to shout for help.
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