Artwork depicting MPs as monkeys catches Selangor ruler’s eye

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah appears to have taken a liking to a piece of art depicting a parliamentary session in Malaysia with MPs portrayed as monkeys and frogs.

Pictures of Sultan Sharafuddin standing beside the painting were shared on the Selangor palace’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.

“A painting had attracted the attention of the Selangor ruler,” the accompanying caption read.

“As soon as he saw it, the sultan consented to buy it to be hung in his private study room,” it added.

The painting, reminiscent of a 2009 illustration by British street artist Banksy, comes as the country follows the progress of a long awaited law that would ban MPs from switching camps.

The bill, which is being drafted by a special committee, would see such MPs – labelled colloquially as frogs – losing their seats in Parliament.

Many social media users said the picture appeared to be a commentary on the country’s political situation as well as the frequent commotions that occur during Dewan Rakyat sittings.

The 2009 artwork by Banksy was sold in 2019 for nearly 9.9 million pounds or RM50 million.

When contacted by MalaysiaNow, the palace confirmed the post but declined to provide further details such as the name of the artist and where the purchase was made.

“One day, the sultan intends to auction off the painting with the proceeds to be donated for charity,” it said in its Instagram post.