Yesterday (8 Oct 2008) I was in Bukit Bintang and I saw a Silver Man. I first saw a Silver Man in London's famous Covent Garden many years ago.
I watched the one in Bukit Bintang preparing his make up, then he sat in his pose. But the poor guy was finding it very hot as he was sitting directly under the sun and he had to get up and find some shade. I was watching the reactions of the Malaysian audience as most of them didn't know what was happening !
These silver men are very popluar street performers in London, New York, and many places around the world. Some, like this one in KL, just pretend to be living statues, and if someone goes right up to them, the silver man will move and scare the person! Of course you are supposed to put money into his hat.
Others do acts like juggling, mime, One in London is dressed as a Roman gladiator, and touches you with his sword if you give a donation. Another one stands as still as a statue, if you put money in his hat, he bows.
The Bukit Bintang silver man is located on the main junction, outside Maybank, where all the street 'artistes' and youth gather.