I am appalled to read that renown Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic is barred from entering Malaysia. It is the first time a famous artist is being barred from entering Malaysia.
The beautiful and impressive wall paintings drawn by Zacharevic in the heritage enclave of George Town have helped draw scores of domestic and foreign tourists to Penang and Malaysia.
The Malaysian government, particularly the Tourism and Culture Ministry should instead extend appreciation to Zacharevic for his murals that has enhanced Georgetown as a major tourist attraction.
I urge the Home Minister Zahid Hamidi to explain to the rakyat the rationale in imposing the ban by the Immigration Department on him from entering Malaysia.