It’s been said that Malaysia is a melting pot of multiple cultures, and here at the office, we couldn’t agree more. There always seems to be a fusion of cultures, be it when it comes to food or activities and evidently, it’s spilled unto the way we protest.
Remember British coloniser Francis Light? The dude we all learned about in Sejarah? You know, the white guy who “founded” Penang? The SHTI dude, come on.
Well, of course we made a statue in his memory and it totally has nothing to do with the fact that he’s white ok! But yeah getting back on course, his statue was recently splashed with red paint and the Penang police suspect foul play! Ok la not really but they are considering the possibility that the act was Black Lives Matter inspired.
The George Town Police issued a media statement confirming that the statue was splashed with red paint on the morning of June 30th. The act of vandalism was reported Fort Cornwallis’ operations manager, who lodged a police report.
Anti-colonialist and anti-slavery sentiments are at the highest it’s ever been lately thanks to what’s going on in the US and the police are seriously considering that this could be a possible motive for the vandals who defaced the statue. The case is currently being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.
If you’re wondering if maybe Francis Light owed “ah longs” some money, fret not. The police confirmed that the operations manager of Fort Cornwallis was not in any debt to the unlicensed money lenders, who have made it their trademark to splash red paint on the property of people who are unable to pay them on time.
If caught, the vandals face a jail term of between one and five years, a fine, or both. The sentence pales in comparison to the 10 years in prison that Donald Trump is threatening vandals in the States with. That being said, what are your thoughts on Malaysians defacing statues of slave owners. Too liberal for your liking or are they hitting the nail on the head here?
Let us know in the comments!
