UPDATE @ 3:300pm, 20th July 2020: The Shah Alam city council has posted out a press statement that condemns this action of vandalism. They have also mentioned that a police report on this matter has been filed. The city council would like to remind everyone that they should refer to the council prior to painting murals.
UPDATE @ 2:50pm, 20th July 2020:The mural at U12 Shah Alam has now been painted over with white paint by the Shah Alam City Council staff, reported Bernama.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Just a week ago (11th July), Dr. Noor Hisham was pictured next to this beautiful mural at U12 Shah Alam. He tweeted about the experience positively.
“I was there this morning and I felt a strong patriotic spirit among Malaysians. I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the brilliantly talented artists with their extraordinary skills and artwork.”
“It goes to show that everyone has a role in this pandemic crisis.”
However, just this morning (20th July), we found a video of the defaced mural circulating on social media platforms.
The prominent figures’ eyes and faces were sprayed with red spray paint and beside some of their faces, some unsavoury words such as b*b* and bangsat were written.
The mural has since been covered with a tarp and the artists along with the police are now at the scene.
Netizens have quite a lot to say about this considering the fact that it’s not easy to do such beautiful portrait murals.
“I feel sad for the artists as it’s not easy to do these murals. If you don’t like the government, you should not put the dissatisfaction on other people (in this case, the artist).”
“Even though I’m not the artist, my heart broke when I saw the vandalised mural.”
“I am not a fan of the current government but I truly condemn dumb actions such as this (vandalising). The mural is an excellent piece of work.”
The mural was done by Muhammad Suhaimi Ali, 27, Abdul Hadi Ramli, 27, and Muhamad Firdaus Nordin, 26. WORLD OF BUZZ has reached out to Suhaimi but have yet to receive a response.
What do you think about this act? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Dr Noor Hisham Poses Next to Inspiring Mural Dedicated To Malaysia’s Heroes
