The clampdown on freedom of expression in recent weeks is “disgraceful” and “immature”, said the watchdog Centre for Independent Journalism.

CIJ said this includes the seizure of Anurendra Jegadeva's artwork, the non-inclusion of Ng Sek San's 'Malaysian Spring' in an art show and an advisory by the Penang government against the screening of film 'Tanda Putera'.

According of CIJ officers Ahmad Fuad Ramat and Simitha T Singam, such censorship is “blatant violation of human rights and the freedom of expression”.

“CIJ calls on the authorities to immediately stop this disgraceful harassment of artists and immature clampdown of freedom of expression,” they said in a statement today.

NONE On the Penang government's “advisory” to cinemas in the state, CIJ said the initial letter stated that the managements were “directed” against screening ‘Tanda Putera’.

“CIJ views the ambivalence of the Penang government's attitude towards the film ... with much worry,” they said.

A second letter was then issued, revising the wording to show that it was merely an “advisory”, prompting some cinemas to overturn their decision to not screen the film.  

Last Friday, the police had seized the artwork 'I is for Idiot' by Anurendra after a police report was lodged for alleged religious insult.

The work, part of a 26 block 'Alphabet for the Middle Aged Middle Class' was taken from the M50 Selamat Hari Malaysia show at Publika Mall in Kuala Lumpur.

The work was co-organised by MapKL@Publika, Balai Seni Visual Negara and the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

NONE Before that, landscape architect Ng Sek San's installation work 'Malaysian Spring ' was not included in the M50 show, over concerns of “appropriateness” as the minister was to launch the show.

The 'Malaysian Spring', a symbol of Malaysia's “awakening”, is Ng's work which was adopted by pro-Pakatan Rakyat individuals in the lead up to the 13th general election.

It is showing at Publika Mall but is not part of the official M50 show.