Ipoh City Council denies mural based on Chin Peng

IPOH: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has refuted claims that the mural depicting an old man sipping coffee at Jalan Tun Sambathan was based on Communist Party of Malaya secretary-general Chin Peng.

A city council public relations officer said on Tuesday that the mural, painted by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic was instead inspired by a local folk here.

When contacted, MBI corporate principal assistant director Normala Latiff said the face of the old uncle was inspired by a crane operator.

"There is a clip on Youtube that shows the making of these murals in the Old Town.

"Please watch the clip to understand it," she said.

A local Malay daily has reported that the mural was found by one 46-year-old Mior Azman Mior Aris to be likened with the former Communist leader.

The story was picked up by a news portal, that later reported that the mural would be repainted.

Normala has also rubbished the news protal's report that the city council would repaint the mural.