PRESS STATEMENT
CENSORSHIP OF THE ARTS

by Artisproactive

Artisproactiv, a coalition of artists wishes to express its deep dissatisfaction and concern with DBKL's (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur) announcement that it will no longer issue licenses to the Instant Café Theatre Company for future productions.

This is the most punitive in a series of such decisions made by DKBL in apparent response to a single letter of complaint against the arts community. DBKL's actions, which often occur after it has granted a license, do not only impact the arts community, but has larger implications for the country as a whole. We urge the Malaysian public and elected representatives to evaluate the importance of the arts industry, and how censorship affects the country's growth in terms of creativity, democracy and the economy.

As an expression of the many cultures in Malaysia, the arts have enabled the country to establish a strong reputation as multiracial and multicultural- with a balance of both traditional and modern - and an essential foundation of Islam that allows for and respects the practice of other religions.

In 2002, the country recorded RM25.7 billion in tourism receipts. This covers spending on entertainment, shopping, hotels, which also include culture and the arts - visual art, dance, drama, film, music and more. The local visual art industry alone is conservatively estimated at RM50-100 million.

In creative terms, the arts are the arena for artists to develop their skills and thoughts, and thereby mature in their ability to attain significant artistic achievements. Many Malaysian artists have received international recognition, and raised the profile of the country abroad.

The arts industry in Malaysia is currently seen largely in terms of 'culture' and 'unity'. An up-to-date understanding should also consider the economic and creative impact of the arts as an industry in its own right, closely connected to other creative industries such as industrial design graphic design, as well as architecture.

In addition to creativity and the economy, the arts also have a crucial role in terms of the development and practice of the country's democracy.

Since independence, and in its very Constitution, Malaysia has been built as a multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious environment. Respecting the rights of others to practice their religion and cultural expressions is an essential symbol and reflection of a democracy. When the opportunity to practice and express these is severely limited - such as through ad-hoc and indiscriminate censorship by government bodies, democracy is also severely limited. No country in the world can claim to be the perfect democracy. However, respect for minority voices is an internationally accepted definition of democracy.

As the country looks to determine its own future, we cite the 5th challenge of Vision 2020, which calls for "the establishing of a mature, liberal and tolerant society in which Malaysians of all colour and creed are free to practice and profess their customs, cultures and religious beliefs and yet feel that they belong to one nation".

DBKL's actions appear to directly contradict this. Ultimately, censorship limits the development of the country in three vital areas of its successful growth to date - creativity, democracy and the economy. As artists who are grounded in our respective cultural practices, we believe such censorship is harmful, detrimental and dangerous.

We call for an immediate reversal of DBKL's decision to deny the Instant Café Theatre Company permits for future productions, and a review of censorship of the arts.

The above statement by Artis Pro Activ is endorsed by the following
Individuals and Organzations:

1. Amir Muhamad
2. Anand Kailayapillai
3. Ann James
4. Ann Lee
5. Antares (Kit Leee), Theatre Reviewer
6. Artisproactiv
7. Ashvin Raj
8. Bernard Chauly
9. Bernice Chauly
10. Carmen Nge
11. Cheah Kah Peng
12. Chong Wei Yee
13. Dinish Nair
14. Fahmi Fadzil
15. Five Arts Centre
16. Foo Chewei
17. Foo May Lyn
18. Hann
19. Henry Chan
20. Himahlini a/p M. Ramalingam
21. Ida Mariana
22. Izlyn Ramli
23. James Lee, Filmaker
24. Jane Chauly
25. Janet Lee
26. Junil Jayaratnam
27. Kathy Rowland
28. Kean Wong
29. Khoo Khay Jin
30. Kitrhona Ramday
31. Kuali Works
32. Kubhaer T. Jethwani
33. Leia Aljoffery
34. Lew Marsh
35. Lia Syed
36. Lim Chung Wei
37. Lorna Tee, Freelance Theatre Worker
38. Marion D'Cruz
39. Mark Teh
40. Medaline Chang
41. Noreen
42. Navamalar a/p M. Ramalingam
43. Niki Cheong Peck Beng
44. Nizam Zakaria
45. Pang Kee Thiek
46. Patrick Teoh
47. Pete Teo, Musician
48. Pia Zain Azraai
49. Raja Petra Kamaruddin
50. Ray Langenbach
51. Rey Buono
52. Richard Chang
53. Richard Harding
54. Ronnie Liu
55. Saidah Rastam
56. Seow Hsueh Liang
57. Sharaad Kuttan
58. Stephen Chong
59. Susan Lau
60. Susan Loone
61. Suzanne Lazaroo
62. Tasnem Aljoffery
63. Teoh Pei Sze
64. Uma Devi Chandran
65. Wilson Wong
66. Women's Aid Organisation
67. Wong Chin Huat
68. Wong Hoy Cheong
69. Wong Kan Noi
70. www.kakiseni.com
71. Zarul Albakri
72. Zedeck Siew
    

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