Print I: Reformasi
Woodcut . 41cm x 30cm 2001/2005
Artist: SiewLee
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The economic crisis of the mid-1980s developed into a political crisis, later became part of the battle against social illnesses - 'cronyism', 'nepotism', 'corruption', lack of 'transparency', economy mismanagement and 'power game'. The system itself was sick and a crisis for social reformation strikes the conscience of those who are and who dare.
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Print II: From the Cabinet to Street Politics
Woodcut . 41cm x 30cm 2001/2005
Artist: SiewLee
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2nd September 1998, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was sacked after months of economic policy differences with Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar Ibrahim had been conducting a nationwide tour of the country protesting his innocence and calling for government reform. The print depicts the heated man addressing a rally of thousands of people; his wife shows unending support and wipes the sweat off his forehead. Quoting Anwar Ibrahim, "I'm not afraid, no mater what happens, whether in prison... I'll still strive, I'll still fight, I'll not step down." He repeated that he was the victim of high level political conspiracy.
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Print III: The Arrest
Woodcut . 41cm x 30cm 2001/2005
Artist: SiewLee
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20th September 1998, Anwar Ibrahim was arrested by the Police Special Task Force after a raid on his home in Kuala Lumpur. Around a dozen armed policemen stopped a press conference being held by Anwar and ordered television cameramen to leave. Reports said that as many as 500 police officers, wearing helmets and armed with assault rifles, surrounded Anwar's house, blocked nearby roads and kept back angry supporters. The back scene of the print shows Munawar Anees been arrested and Tien Chua protested in anti-government demonstration.
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Print IV: Growing Unrest
Woodcut . 41cm x 30cm 2001/2005
Artist: SiewLee
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29th September 1998, Anwar Ibrahim appeared for the first time in public to be formally charged on corruption and unnatural sex. He appeared with a black eye and bruised right hand which shocked the whole nation, what on earth had happened to him while in police custody? Hundreds of people were arrested in Kuala Lumpur as supporters clashed against police. Street protests had ended in violence, police brutality and anti-government demonstrations. This print reflects the chaotic situation and the upheaval stormy emotion from the supporters. The police who stood in the lime light was of course Rahim Noor who on 2nd March 1999 admitted beating Anwar, he assumed full responsibility and later resigned.
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Print V: Justice Must Prevail
Woodcut . 41cm x 30cm 2001/2005
Artist: SiewLee
Anwar's trial was scheduled to start on 2nd November 1999. He had pleaded not guilty to 10 charges against him. Many observers regarded the case as a political show trial and a test on the Malaysian Judiciary. The trial had been thrown into confusion over the testimony of prosecution witnesses. Anwar had a right to a fair trial, but he had been prosecuted, before the trial had even started. 31st March 1999, Anwar's lawyers closed their case, saying his only crime was to stand up against powerful politicians. The judge warned them to keep politics out of the courtroom.
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Print VI: Is the Game Over?
Woodcut . 41cm x 30cm 2001/2005
Artist: SiewLee
As our renowned National Laureate A Samad Ismail puts it, "A drama not following any script." Is the reformasi episode part of a political conspiracy or a political game?
Print VI ends the episode for the time being. It depicts the old man playing chess with his "crownies", but there are no chessmen on the chessboard. Nobody knows what game is being played. The fate of Anwar lied in the mercy of the Palace of Justice. He was finally freed in 2005, but is the game over???
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