Activist: Penang State Museum must explain why ex-staff removed during event

A complaint has been lodged against the Penang State Museum director Haryany Mohamad for "forcibly removing and humiliating" two members of the public from the museum.

In a letter to several officials in the Penang government and museum board, activist Ambiga Devy Chin said the incident took place during an event dubbed "When Coffee Meets Art" at the state museum on Sept 29.

"The two members were peacefully engaged with the Kaki Lima Board Game that was part of the event," said Ambiga, in a letter, sighted by Malaysiakini.

"The duo were ex-employees who have resigned not because of any wrongdoing and were not dismissed.

"They should have free access to this and any other public space without hindrance," she added.

In her letter, Ambiga provided a link to the video purportedly depicting Haryani castigating the two women.

"This behaviour is unbecoming of a public civil servant of her standing," she said.

Ambiga urged the board members of the Penang State Museum to clarify if Haryany has the right to bar anyone from using public spaces.

It is learnt that Haryany had lodged a report against the activist over the letter.

When contacted, Haryany declined to comment about the matter.

State executive councillor on Penang Arts, Tourism, Culture and Heritage Yeoh Soon Hin said his office would check with the museum administration before responding about the issue.

Radziah Othman, one of the two ex-staff involved in the matter, said she was not only treated aggressively, but her mobile phone was snatched from her.

"We just went to the event to meet friends and have fun, enjoy the night but within 30 minutes was asked to leave the premises.

"Haryany said ex-staff are not permitted to enter the premises, but when we asked to show proof of any law to back this, we were ignored," Radziah told Malaysiakini.

"When she started raising her voice at us, I began to record the incident with my handphone, but it was snatched away," she added.

"I had to take my phone back from Haryany. Then she informed the police about our presence".

Radziah said within the police arrived within 10 minutes and advised the two ex-staff not to kick up a fuss.

The police told the women that Haryany was caretaker of the museum, and she can decide who was allowed to enter the premises.

"So we left, but I have made a complaint with the museum board. We hope some action can be taken to improve the museum's management," said Radziah, who worked for the museum for years before resigning in March. - Mkini