Local graphic artist Fahmi Reza is no stranger to courting controversy among Malaysians. Best known for his satirical artworks that depict the tumultuous political landscape in Malaysia, his pieces have often sparked heated discussions while also gaining him a loyal following over the years. In fact, Fahmi has even gone so far as to take swipes at the Royal Institution in Malaysia, previously having released illustrations of the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Fahmi Reza created an artwork depicting a monkey in what appears to be Royal garb
And just recently, Fahmi had once again uploaded yet another contentious artwork showing Powerpuff Girl simian villain Mojo Jojo dressed in what appeared to be Royal garb. Many have speculated that the piece came about as a response to the Selangor Sultan’s recent acquisition of a painting, which similarly illustrates the Malaysian Parliament being filled with monkeys, baboons, gorillas and frogs.
On 14th April 2022, Fahmi was arrested by the local police as part of an investigation into his ‘Monyet Istana’ artwork under the 1948 Sedition Act. Later last Friday (22nd April 2022), he was once again called up to the Bukit Aman police station for questioning, but the exact reason why was not specified.
The following day (23rd April 2022), Fahmi announced on his social media pages that he had found himself on the immigration’s blacklist, which effectively means that he has been barred from leaving the country.
“I have been barred from renewing my passport, and I have been barred from leaving the country. According to the Immigration Department, the orders came from Bukit Aman/PDRM.” he wrote.
However, as he is also involved in the production of a theater act to be held in Europe this May, Fahmi says he is now working on trying to obtain clearance from the Royal Malaysian Police to travel. He also alluded to a politician who had been granted permission to travel abroad, despite his convictions.
“If a criminal who has been convicted and has 42 charges of corruption can get clearance to go abroad, I hope Bukit Aman can grant me clearance once. Don’t double standard.” he wrote.
To auction off ‘Monyet Istana’ as an NFT
Additionally, Fahmi has also decided to sell off his ‘Monyet Istana’ artworks as NFTs, while vowing to donate 100% of the proceeds to the Freedom of Expression Legal Defence Fund. The fund aims to provide legal aid to Malaysians who are being ‘investigated and prosecuted for exercising their right to freedom of expression’. The artwork is priced at 0.05 BNB (MYR 85.05), and will be available for sale by tomorrow (26th April 2022).
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