An artist has called the decision to remove his photographs of LGBT activists Nisha Ayub and Pang Khee Teik from the month-long "Stripes and Strokes" exhibit in Penang "disappointing". 

KL-based Mooreyameen Mohamad lamented the removal, as the exhibit – held in conjunction with the annual George Town Festival – is about Merdeka, the Malaysian flag and diversity.

"For these two individuals to be singled out, it is disappointing," he told Malaysiakini.

Mooreyameen said George Town Festival director Joe Sidek called him personally to say the photographs had been taken down.

According to Mooreyameen, he was told the instructions came from the Prime Minister's Office.

However, a spokesperson from the PMO office denied the claim, saying: "It's a state-level event, ask the organiser."

It was later learnt that the move to take down the photos was a response to several netizens criticising the LGBT activists on Facebook.

Malaysiakini has contacted Joe, but he has declined to comment on the matter.

"I don't think it has ever happened before in Penang, especially when this is the Merdeka month, they should just let everyone be," Mooreyameen said.

When asked what his next course of action would be, he  said he is still figuring out what to do.

"Many have opinions. On one hand, I want to stay true to the ideals of the project but as an artist, I can't let people dictate to me what can and cannot be exhibited. That would be a shame and it amounts to censorship.

"These are beautiful portraits and not in any way insulting, I know most of them photographed and had directly asked each of them to participate in the exhibition," he said.

Among the portraits of 20 Malaysians featured are those of DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang and PKR Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

"I admire each and everyone featured in the exhibition, for what they do, and so this is really disappointing," he lamented.

'No space at all for you in Malaysia'

While LGBT activist Nisha confirmed that she was informed about the matter, Pang said he was told the remaining photos were repositioned to occupy the vacated space after their portraits had been removed.

"As if to say, there's no space at all for you in Malaysia. Even after all that you have done for the country," Pang told Malaysiakini.

Speaking from Canada, Pang added "It's heartbreaking when the country does that to its citizens. Citizens showing our pride to be Malaysians.

"I'm reminded of the line in Yasmin Ahmad's Gubra: "you guys know how hard it is for the rest of us to stay here. Sometimes it feels like loving someone who doesn't love you back."

"It's ok. LGBT Malaysians know who we are. We have always been a part of the Malaysian picture. And we will continue to be proud of who we are: LGBT and Malaysian," Pang quipped.

The Strokes and Stripes exhibit is being held at Dewan Sri Pinang from Aug 4 to Sept 2.

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