KUALA LUMPUR – A painting of primates and different frog species attending a parliamentary session in the Dewan Rakyat has caught the eye of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
In what appears to be a message from Sultan Sharafuddin to local politicians, an entry by the Selangor Royal Office on Facebook said the ruler agreed to purchase the painting after seeing it.
He also has plans to hang the artwork, in which a troop of gorillas, orangutans, apes and proboscis monkeys, as well as frogs have replaced politicians in Parliament, in his private study room.
It added that the ruler intends to put the painting under the hammer one day, saying the proceeds of the auction will be donated to charity.
The photos of the ruler with the painting have set social media abuzz, with netizens taking a jab at local politicians and their antics.
Facebook user Siti NorMarlina commented that politicians would only smile after seeing the painting, as if they do not feel any guilt.
A netizen by the name of Zulpg Yusoff pleaded for the sultan to not auction the artwork.
“Instead, hand it over to the National Museum, Your Majesty, for the next generation to see.”
Another Facebook user Amila Kamarudin pointed out that the sultan is delivering a serious message to all politicians who have been given the mandate from the people.
“But (they are) behaving like…photo speaks a thousand words!”
Meanwhile, other netizens were all praises for the sultan and hoped that he would reprimand those leaders who act like the animals portrayed in the painting.
“As usual, if there are artists who criticise, actions would be taken against them. But not for His Majesty as he bought the painting which has implicit meanings for display. Daulat Tuanku,” said a Facebook user known as Fazidah Bt Mahmud.
Also, user Luqman Mal said: “This painting has such deep meaning to it. It should be placed in the Dewan Rakyat as an advice (to the MPs). It also has hints – monkeys and frogs”. – The Vibes, April 12, 2022
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