Activities and happenings around Zunar.

RSF: Well-known Malaysian cartoonist facing further interrogation

Curated from: Reporters Without Borders Title: Well-known Malaysian cartoonist facing further interrogation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Malaysian authorities to drop all charges against Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque, the cartoonist better known as Zunar, and to stop using the country’s Sedition Act to threaten and intimidate him and other journalists. Zunar has been arrested twice in recent weeks and faces further police interrogation on 30 December. His latest arrest was on 17 December, when police raided a fundraising event he had organized in Kuala Lumpur to compensate for the losses resulting from the seizure of 20 of his cartoons in November. The police seized more than 1,000 pounds in cash on 17 December. Zunar estimates his combined losses from the two seizures – the cash and the cartoons – at 20,000 dollars. He is well known for cartoons criticizing government corruption and abuse of authority. During the 17 December raid, the police also arrested two of Zunar’s assistants and two people who had come to give him support. Zunar said there were all taken to a police station where a formal investigation was opened for violating article 124 of the penal code (endangering parliamentary democracy). In an email sent to various organizations, Zunar said he was questioned for six hours and was then released on bail and told to report to the police again on 30 December for further questioning. According to Zunar, the police plan to ban all of his cartoon books. Zunar was previously arrested under the Sedition Act on 25 November in the northern city of George Town, where he was forced to cancel an exhibition of his cartoons at a literary festival and 20 cartoons were seized. “We call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all charges against this cartoonist and we urge the Malaysian authorities to stop using the Sedition Act to intimidate and threaten journalists,” RSF editor-in-chief Virginie Dangles said. Zunar has been jailed twice under the Sedition Act, in September 2010 and February 2015, and was charged with another nine violations of the Sedition Act in April 2015 in connection with nine tweets critical of the government. According to his lawyer, he is facing up to 43 years in prison. Because of his cartoons, he has also been banned from leaving Malaysia since October. Malaysia is ranked 147th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Click Here for the original article

The Malay Mail – Why Zunar is not funny

Curated from: The Malay Mail Online Title: Why Zunar is not funny Original article by: Mustafa K. Anuar | December 26, 2016 DECEMBER 26 — The spate of arrests, charges under the draconian Sedition Act, and occasional disturbance at an art exhibition that Zunar faced in recent years suggest that his political cartoons are not appreciated by, let alone cheer up, certain people in Malaysia. This case involving Zulkiflee Sm Anwar Ulhaque aka Zunar is an indication of where the country is headed if not checked: a nation as a whole that is unable to laugh at itself or when humour or satire about the powers-that-beare intensely proscribed. Worse still, this may degenerate, if it hasn’t already, to a situation where various legitimate criticism of the powers-that-be, including cartoons, are prohibited and criminalised. Cartoonists employ the devices of satire and stereotypes to address issues of social and political importance in a manner that attracts, provokes and/or amuses the reader. Cartoons, as a form of popular culture, are accessible to almost all and sundry — and this is where their strength lies. For, they use a universal language (i.e. the visual) that is easily understood and they are published in newspapers, magazines, books and online publications. Armed with the above tools, political cartoonists mock and lampoon public figures including politicians in the public arena. The powerful can be made to feel vulnerable and insecure at the creative and deft hand of the political cartoonist especially when the latter is able to ridicule, if not irritate, the former while amusing the reader at the same time.
Generally, the strokes of a political cartoonist’s pen are aimed at the issue or problem of the day in the hope that it would bring attention to the general public so that it gets addressed by the concerned citizenry and people in power as well. The humour may be bruising at times, but the cartoonists often mean well. In many ways, political cartoonists serve as the barometer of freedom of expression in a society as they often draw and at times cross the line as well. Political cartoonists do sometimes get themselves into trouble. Cartoons that border on character defamation may be subject to legal suits but not to the point of transgressing cartoonists’ freedom of expression in general. In other words, it doesn’t and shouldn’t verge on making cartooning a crime. Most politicians in many functioning democracies take cartoons, which are critical of them, in their stride. Otherwise, we would have borne witness all these years to the Obamas and the Merkels of this world who make themselves busy by suing this and that political cartoonist. There are also cases of political cartoonists who try to push the envelope especially in an environment that is less democratic. It is here that some of them may find themselves harassed, arrested, detained and/or jailed for having mocked leaders who are practically dictatorial and mired in controversies — and who feel the painful truth when the caricatures in the cartoons are as good as the proverbial emperor, who indeed has no clothes, being drawn on the canvas. It is at this juncture when such political leaders, especially those who suffer from credibility and legitimacy deficit, do not find or refuse to see any element of humour in certain political cartoons that lampoon them. The political challenges that Zunar encounters in recent times should be seen in this larger context. His political cartoons have become too biting to the chagrin of the powers-that-be for he speaks truth to power. In fact, his creative juice is often a source of irritation to some. Just notice how he exploits the cynical suggestion of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) about drawing Donald Duck – instead of the elephant in the room. True to form, the Kedah-born cartoonist comfortably settles for Donald Dedak! This is of course not to provide an excuse for the perpetrators of political harassment and physical provocation in which Zunar is at the receiving end. What needs to be acknowledged here is that the occasional arrests and the slapping of the Sedition Act on Zunar is tantamount to criminalising his cartooning, which is questionable. Trampling on Zunar’s human rights here not only has political implications, but also financial repercussions. As a consummate cartoonist, Zunar — who has earned international awards such as the International Press Freedom Award 2015 and the 2016 Cartooning for Peace Award – has incurred heavy financial losses as a result of a few of his artworks being damaged, his five cartoon books banned, cartoon books and art exhibits being confiscated and his books not on sale in bookshops in the country. His recent fund-raising event in Kuala Lumpur, primarily aimed at getting funds to help offset the losses he has incurred as mentioned above, is a legitimate activity, and yet he was hounded by the authorities. Zunar’s case is politically significant. Not only does it have an immense impact on the artists’ fraternity, but also those, such as journalists and writers, who jealously guard and cherish freedom of expression in the country. However, despite the challenges he faces, Zunar is determined to soldier on in his mission to help reform society. In fact, he has shown that his creativity ironically blossoms in an environment that is politically and socially constricting. It is no laughing matter if and when — and God forbid — Zunar eventually ends up in the slammer for having sketched in a critical and peaceful fashion. Neither is it funny if freedom of expression is further curbed. * This is the personal opinion of the columnist. Click Here for the original article

Rojakdaily – Malaysian Cartoonist Zunar Details the 13 Times He’s Been Harassed by Police Since 2009

Curated From:Rojakdaily
Political cartoonist and satirist Zunar has detailed the 13 times he has been harassed by local law enforcement over his cartoons. In a report by FMT.com, the artist believes that the government 'fears' his work and their on-going harassment is the by-product of their fear. "The pattern shows that the government’s actions are directly proportionate to the increased level of corruption and injustices. A corrupt government fears cartoons. I would like to point out my stand: talent is not a gift, but a responsibility. It is my responsibility as a cartoonist to expose corruption and injustices," Zunar said.
“Do I fear jail? Yes, but responsibility is bigger than fear. You can ban my books, you can ban my cartoons, but you cannot ban my mind.”
What was not documented in his web post was the arrest in Penang's historic Komtar and the arrest at his fundraiser on Saturday, bringing the total amount of incidents with the poilice to 15. We've extracted the list of harassment for your pleasure below: 17 Oct 2016: Zunar was banned from traveling abroad by the Malaysian government. He will file a legal proceeding to challenge the ruling. 2 April 2015: Zunar was slapped with nine charges under the archaic Sedition Act and facing possible 43 years imprisonment and the court proceeding will start on 22 Nov 2016. 28 Feb 2015: More than 20 policemen raided his launching event in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur and threatened to detain him and confiscate the book, ROS in Kangkong Land, if he proceed. He had to cancel the program. 14 Feb 2015: Hundreds of the books, ROS in Kangkong Land, were confiscated by the police from the printer’s lorry en-route to the launching venue. 10 Feb 2015: Zunar was detained and locked up for three days under the Sedition Act. He was accused to have tweeted seditious comments in relation to the Federal Court’s decision, which upheld the conviction of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. The police opened up two separate investigations on him under the Sedition Act. One is on the tweet criticising Mr Anwar’s sentence under the D5 Unit (Classified Crime). Another is on his cartoon books Pirates of The Carry-BN and Conspiracy to Imprison Anwar. 28 Jan 2015: There was a raid on his office while he was on a speaking tour in London. More than 150 books were confiscated. Laws used: Printing Presses and Publications Act, Sedition Act, Penal Code. 6 Nov 2014: Three of his assistants were arrested and taken to the police station for selling his latest cartoon books. Law used: Sedition Act. 16 Nov 2014: The webmaster, who manages his website and online bookstore, was called in by the police for questioning. Law used: Sedition Act. 18 Nov 2014: The police have asked the online payment gateway that handles his book transactions to disclose the list of customers who have purchased his books through the official website www.zunar.my. The company was given no choice but to disclose it. Law used: Sedition Act. 20 Nov 2014: Zunar was brought in for questioning to the Dang Wangi Police Station in Kuala Lumpur under the ‘Classified Crime Section’ involving three different laws. Laws used: Printing Presses and Publications Act, the Sedition Act, Penal Code. 24 Sept 2010: Zunar was detained and locked up for two days after the publication of his book, Cartoon-O-Phobia. Law used: Sedition Act. July 2010: Five of his books – Perak Darul Kartun; 1 Funny Malaysia; Isu Dalam Kartun Vol.1, 2, and 3 – were banned by the Home Minister on the grounds that the contents are “detrimental to public order.” Law used: Printing Presses and Publications Act. Sept 2009: His office was raided by the authorities. Five hundred (500) copies of his book titled Gedung Kartun were confiscated. Law used: Printing Presses and Publications Act.

Suaram – STOP CAMPAIGN OF INTIMIDATION AGAINST ZUNAR

Curated From: Suaram
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) strongly condemns the arrest of Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, better known as Zunar at his fundraising event at KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on the 18th December 2016.
The arrest of Zunar and the confiscation of his cartoon and artwork over the weekend can only be described as an act intimidation that is targeted to silence freedom of expression and punish those who publicly express their dissent and dissatisfaction with the current state of governance.
At this juncture, it is clear that the Malaysian Government through its agents are on a campaign of intimidation against Zunar and freedom of expression. As of December 2016, Zunar has been subjected to 9 charges under the Sedition Act 1948; attacked and assaulted by members of the ruling party; had his work confiscated and banned by the Malaysian Government; and repeatedly arrest and detained by the Royal Malaysian Police.
SUARAM would like to remind the Malaysian Government and all its agents of the state’s obligation to protect the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and call for all state sanctioned harassment against Zunar to be stopped immediately!
SUARAM also like to remind the Malaysian Government of its promise to abolish the Sedition Act 1948 and call for the immediate abolishment of the repressive Act that continues to shackle the voice of the Malaysian people.
In Solidarity,
Sevan Doraisamy
Executive Director
SUARAM

Index on Censorship – Cartoonist arrested for second time in three weeks

Curated From: Index on Censorship
Malaysian cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, aka Zunar, was arrested on Saturday 17 December during a fund-raising event to recoup losses related to the seizure of 20 of his artworks. Police also confiscated 1,000 books during the arrest.
In a statement, the award-winning cartoonist wrote that authorities took him into custody under Section 124 of the country’s penal code for “being detrimental to parliamentary democracy”. Two of Zunar’s assistants were also arrested, as were two of his fans.
“I was questioned for almost six hours and released under bail at midnight. I would have to report back to the police station on the 30 Dec 2016,” Zunar wrote.
The police also said that they would be banning all his books.
It was the cartoonist’s second arrest in three weeks. On 25th Nov 2016, he was arrested under the Sedition Act for his cartoons which are deemed insulting to the country’s prime minister Najib Razak.
The artist was questioned under the penal code under suspicion of intentionally humiliating a person. He was released the next day.
“Even though I have been released, the harassment from the Malaysian government is far from over. I have to report back to the police in Penang on 27 December 2016 for further investigation. And yesterday (26 November), two people who assisted me in organizing the exhibition were also called up by the police for questioning,” the cartoonist said in a statement.
On 25 November Zunar was forced to end his three-day exhibition after only a few hours when a group of “pro-government thugs,” believed to be a part of the United Malays National Organisation, physically assaulted the cartoonist and damaged his displayed work. “They pulled my shirt and threw a punch at me,” Zunar told Index, “but people came and rescued me.”
The Malaysian government has long attempted to silence the cartoonist, who currently is awaiting trial on nine charges of sedition, which carry a potential 43-year jail term, for his cartoons government-critical cartoons. The trial is set for 24 January 2017 and Zunar is currently on bail.
A travel ban was placed on Zunar on 24 June of this year but was Zunar only became aware of the limitation when he was held by immigration police at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport when attempting to leave Malaysia on 17 October.
Zunar has been arrested twice before, once for two days in 2010 for publishing his book Cartoon-O-Phobia, and again for three days in 2015 for violating the Sedition Act.
The Sedition Act, which was put in place to silence opposition to British colonial rule in 1948, has become a popular way for the Malaysian government to silence critical voices such as Zunar. The award-winning cartoonist has been challenging the law for years.
“I can smell that the 10th charge of the Sedition Act is on the way. I am already facing 9 charges under that draconian act and the trial is set to be on 24 January 2017,” Zunar said.
The artist was questioned under the penal code under suspicion of intentionally humiliating a person. He was released the next day.
“Even though I have been released, the harassment from the Malaysian government is far from over. I have to report back to the police in Penang on 27 December 2016 for further investigation. And yesterday (26 November), two peeple who assisted me in organizing the exhibition were also called up by the police for questioning,” the cartoonist said in a statement.
On 25 November Zunar was forced to end his three-day exhibition after only a few hours when a group of “pro-government thugs,” believed to be a part of the United Malays National Organisation, physically assaulted the cartoonist and damaged his displayed work. “They pulled my shirt and threw a punch at me,” Zunar told Index, “but people came and rescued me.”
The Malaysian government has long attempted to silence the cartoonist, who currently is awaiting trial on nine charges of sedition, which carry a potential 43-year jail term, for his cartoons government-critical cartoons. The trial is set for 24 January 2017 and Zunar is currently on bail.
A travel ban was placed on Zunar on 24 June of this year but was Zunar only became aware of the limitation when he was held by immigration police at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport when attempting to leave Malaysia on 17 October.
Prior to 25 November, Zunar had been arrested twice before, once for two days in 2010 for publishing his book Cartoon-O-Phobia, and again for three days in 2015 for violating the Sedition Act.
The Sedition Act, which was put in place to silence opposition to British colonial rule in 1948, has become a popular way for the Malaysian government to silence critical voices such as Zunar. The award-winning cartoonist has been challenging the law for years.
“I can smell that the 10th charge of the Sedition Act is on the way. I am already facing 9 charges under that draconian act and the trial is set to be on 24 January 2017,” Zunar said.

FMT – Tea Party Gone Wrong!

Curated From: FREE MALAYSIA TODAY Title: Tea party gone wrong Original Article By: Fa Abdul | December 19, 2016

Maybe Zunar's next tea party should have a different theme instead of Donald Dedak and Mickey Mah.

For the past couple of years, Zunar has been popping up in my newsfeed and for all the wrong reasons. Instead of his cartoons, I seem to be fed with news of his arrests and court hearings. So when I heard about a tea party with the infamous cartoonist, I decided it was about time I met him personally.

Arriving at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) before the scheduled party at 3pm, I decided to check out Zunar’s books and T-shirts. I have to say his interpretation of Donald Dedak and Mickey Mah made me chuckle. Clearly, Zunar’s wit and sarcasm are outstanding.

Politics no doubt revolves around serious matters that require a certain level of intelligence in order to be fully appreciated. But to transform such serious matters into amusing comics is truly a God-given talent.

“Would you like some Teh Tarik? We also have karipaps, meehoon and other snacks,” said a friendly gentleman as I flipped the pages of Zunar’s book. Having skipped lunch so I would not miss the event, my tummy was indeed growling – almost begging to be fed, but I was too excited to meet Zunar, so I politely refused.

“In that case, you’d probably want to go into the function room – Zunar is in there,” he said.

As I stepped into the room, I searched anxiously for Mr Witty and finally spotted him with a group of fans. So I looked for an empty seat and waited quietly for the tea party to begin.

Approximately fifteen minutes after 3pm, Zunar stepped out of the function room assisted by some folks. From the glass door, I could see him taking off his jacket and walking away accompanied by some of them. Intrigued, I stepped out to see what was going on.

“Zunar is arrested. A few plain clothed police officers are confiscating all his books and T-shirts,” I heard people saying to one another.

In a total state of confusion, I saw a policeman in plain clothes, shouting at another – “Send him to Dang Wangi for obstructing our duties!”

The other officer nodded, escorting a man down the stairs. Following them was Zunar. However, halfway down the stairs, he stopped and looked up at all his guests who came for his little tea party. Our eyes met. Zunar smiled and I smiled back, feeling very confused.

Why arrest someone for hosting a tea party? And why the need to confiscate his creative work?

Ignoring my grumbling tummy, I followed Zunar and waited at the ground floor while a number of plain clothed police officers brought down boxes of his work. I saw many of his fans asking the cartoonist why he was being detained – to which Zunar simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Soon, another man was dragged down the stairs and into a waiting police car.

“Apa salah saya (What did I do wrong)?” he asked repetitively even as no one bothered to answer him.

I later learnt he was detained for asking why the policemen were demanding people stop recording the incident. While the man was pushed into a police vehicle, a policeman in full uniform stepped into the KLSCAH building and requested a woman delete all her recordings. As her young son held her leg tightly, she obliged.

I took a deep breath and sighed heavily.

“Where are you from?” I heard someone ask.

It was Zunar.

“Penang. I just arrived yesterday. I came to your tea party to see you,” I said, trying my best not to say anything dumb.

“I’m sorry,” he said regretfully.

“What will happen to you now?” I asked, genuinely worried for him.

“The usual,” he chuckled. “The lock-up seems to be my second home now.”

I forced a smile. And he forced one in return.

As Zunar was taken away to the Dang Wangi Police Station, I remained confused as to what had gone wrong.

Before leaving the KLSCAH building, I stopped by the function room to finally have that cup of Teh Tarik – sadly, in the absence of Zunar, it did not taste good.

Anyway, I learned a very good lesson that day – never hold a Donald and Mickey themed tea party.

Fa’s Note: Glad to learn that Zunar has been released. Perhaps I shall wait for his next tea party – maybe this time Zunar can come up with a different theme. Clearly someone is not too fond of Donald Dedak and Mickey Mah.

Click Here for the original article

Malaysia: harassment of cartoonist escalates

PEN INTERNATIONAL
Malaysia: harassment of cartoonist escalates
London, 2 December 2016
Original site
THE Malaysian authorities must drop all charges and end the harassment against cartoonist Zunar for peacefully exercising his right to free expression, PEN International said today. Already facing nine counts of sedition and subject to travel restrictions, Zunar was again arrested on 26 November 2016 and placed under investigation for alleged violations of the Sedition Act and penal code.
It is important to remember that Zunar is a cartoonist, a man with passionate views on Malaysian politics and society, and he has every right to express his views, which he has done so peacefully for over four decades. The response of the Malaysian state, which is charging him with sedition, is outrageously disproportionate, said Salil Tripathi, chair of PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee.
On 26 November 2016, police arrested Zunar at the George Town Literary Festival in Penang and placed him under investigation in connection with violations of the Sedition Act and the Penal code, according to news reports. He reports that 20 of his drawings have been confiscated by the police. Zunar was released on bail the following day, but is required to report to police in Penang on 27 December for further investigation. Concerns remain that he may soon be charged with his 10th count of sedition in connection with his cartoons.
Zunar’s arrest came a day after he was assaulted by a pro-government mob, forcing him to call off his exhibition in Penang. In a statement, Zunar said that some 30 men stormed the public exhibition and proceeded to verbally abuse and physically attack him, as well as vandalise some of his artworks.
Cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, known by his ink name Zunar, is currently facing nine counts of sedition in connection with a series of tweets. Arrested on 10 February 2015, Zunar was held for three days for a series of tweets and a cartoon published in February 2015, in which he had questioned the trial of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.  He believes the trial and five-year imprisonment of Ibrahim were used to stop the politician from contesting the general election scheduled for 2018. ‘The lackeys in black robes are proud of their sentence. The rewards from the political masters must be plenty,’ Zunar wrote in one of his tweets. A month later, Zunar was charged with nine counts of sedition for the tweets. His trial, which has been subject to several delays, is expected to commence on 24 January 2017. If found guilty, Zunar could spend up to 43 years in prison.
The upcoming trial is the culmination of many years of harassment, persecution and censorship of Zunar and his associates.  Between 2009 and 2010, the Home Minister for Malaysia banned five of his books claiming they were detrimental to public order. In September 2010, Zunar was arrested and detained for publishing his book Cartoon-O-Phobia. In November 2014, those connected with the production and sale of his cartoon books were raided, arrested and questioned under the sedition laws. In addition, the online payment gateway that manages the financial transactions of his website zunar.my, was forced to release the details of people who purchased his books.
In October this year, the Malaysian authorities imposed restrictions preventing Zunar from travelling abroad ahead of his trial. He is expected to challenge this ban through the court.
The 1948 Sedition Act in Malaysia stems from the days of British colonial rule which ended in 1957.
‘Sedition laws are a sad legacy of the colonial era that many countries that were former British colonies continue to use against political opponents, and Malaysia is no exception. We reiterate our call on Prime Minister Najib to withdraw all charges against Zunar and all others charged with sedition, in keeping with his 2012 campaign pledge, that he would abolish the Sedition Act),’  Tripathi added.
Despite that 2012 re-election pledge to abolish it, Prime Minister Najib Razak extended the Sedition Act in April 2015 to include offences committed on online media. The 2015 amendments also expanded the Act to include ‘religious offence’ and increased the maximum prison sentence from three to 20 years.  According to news reports, in November 2016, Malaysia’s Court of Appeal ruled Section 3(3) of the Sedition Act – which pertains to seditious tendency – unconstitutional. The panel of three judges ruled that the prosecution must prove intent in any case of sedition and that not to do so violated Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution. Reports indicate that the authorities intend to appeal the ruling. It is as yet unclear what impact this ruling might have on the cases against Zunar.
For more information, please contact Emma Wadsworth-Jones at PEN International: emma.wadsworth-jones@pen-international.org | +44 (0)207 405 0338

Zunar in the news

1. THE NEW YORK TIMES

A Malaysian Political Cartoonist on Facing His Fears, and Prison, for Art HONG KONG — When protesters disrupted an art exhibition by Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, a political cartoonist, at the George Town Literary Festival in Malaysia on Saturday, he assumed that the police would want his help identifying those responsible. Instead, said Mr. Zulkiflee, who goes by the name Zunar, he was questioned by the police, detained for a day and informed that he was under investigation for producing cartoons that purportedly defamed Prime Minister Najib Razak. It was not the first time Mr. Zulkiflee, who already faces nine charges of sedition and is barred from leaving the country, has courted trouble with his pen. Continue reading...

2. TOMONEWS

[Video] Malaysian cartoonist Zunar arrested as PM Najib Razak continues free speech crackdown See video here...

3. darylcagle.com

MALAYSIA HARASSING CARTOONIST AGAIN My Malaysian cartoonist buddy, Zunar, is suffering again from the thin-skinned government thugs. Zunar has been butting heads with humorless, Malaysian authorities for years. Continue reading...

4. The Guardian

Malaysian cartoonist arrested for criticism of prime minister Najib Razak. A Malaysian cartoonist known for lampooning the scandal-plagued prime minister and his family has been arrested for sedition, a move denounced as the latest sign of pressure on government critics. Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque – who goes by the pen name Zunar – was arrested in Penang state where he was participating in a literary festival. Penang district police chief, Mior Faridalathrash Wahid, said Zunar was arrested “under the sedition act”. He declined to give details. Continue reading...

5. Index on Censorship

Malaysia: Cartoonist Zunar arrested on charges of sedition
Malaysian cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, aka Zunar, was arrested on 26 November under the Sedition Act for his cartoons which are deemed insulting to the country’s prime minister Najib Razak.
The artist was questioned under the penal code under suspicion of intentionally humiliating a person. He was released the next day. “Even though I have been released, the harassment from the Malaysian government is far from over. I have to report back to the police in Penang on 27 December 2016 for further investigation. And yesterday (26 November), two peeple who assisted me in organizing the exhibition were also called up by the police for questioning,” the cartoonist said in a statement.

Support from international organisations

1. Committee to Protect Journalists

Malaysia intensifies harassment of award-winning cartoonist Bangkok, November 28, 2016―Malaysian authorities should drop all criminal charges against award-winning cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, popularly known as Zunar, and cease harassing him for his work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police on November 26 arrested Zunar under the Sedition Act on the charge his editorial cartoons insulted Prime Minister Najib Razak, according to press reports. Zunar has often satirized Najib, including by calling attention to allegations of corruption in Najib's management of a government development fund known as 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Authorities released Zunar on bail the following day pending the conclusion of the criminal investigation, reports said. Continue reading...

2. THE George Town Literary Festival

#GTLF2016: STATEMENT ON ZUNAR’S ARREST THE George Town Literary Festival learned with deep regret of the arrest of Zunar, the renowned political cartoonist who is a participant in this year’s festival. Zunar was detained under the Sedition Act this afternoon. “The Festival condemns this act of repression which is contrary to the spirit of free speech and expression, a central premise of the festival,” said Festival Director Bernice Chauly. Continue reading...

3. Aliran

Aliran's EMERGENCY RESOLUTION On Zunar "This 40th AGM of Aliran is outraged that the exhibition featuring the works of Zunar, the internationally-recognised political cartoonist, was rudely disrupted by some 30 unruly elements in the presence of police personnel, including members of the light strike force; We are baffled that these rowdies were not arrested and charged for rioting and disturbing the peace; We are stunned that Zunar, on the other hand, was arrested on the basis of the police report made by these rowdies threatening force if Zunar’s exhibition continued and claiming that the exhibition was “rude, insulting, slanderous and filled with lies’ about Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak; Continue reading...

4. Amnesty International

Arrest of famed cartoonist Zunar in Malaysia is an outrage “The arrest of Zunar is an outrage. The charge of sedition against him must be dropped immediately and he must be unconditionally released from detention. What we are seeing is the choking of dissent in Malaysia, where repressive laws are being used to silence and punish peaceful voices under the guise of national security,” said Josef Benedict, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Continue reading...

5. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

End harassment of cartoonist Zunar (Kuala Lumpur, Paris) The Malaysian government must immediately end the harassment of renowned cartoonist Zunar and drop all charges against him, FIDH and its member organization Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) said today. “The arbitrary arrest of Zunar is the latest deplorable act of harassment by a government that is intolerant of any form of peaceful dissent. Zunar should never again be harassed or deprived of his liberty for exercising his basic right to freedom of expression.” Continue reading...

CARTOON-O-PHOBIA – 20 cartoons that scare the Malaysian government

These cartoons were exhibited in Penang, Malaysia on 25 November 2016, Zunar has been attacked by pro government thugs at the exhibition venue. On the following day, he was arrested by the police and locked up under the Sedition Act and The Penal Code. He was released on bail on 28 Nov. caertoonkini-sapulympic-8-aug-2016 cartoonkini-1mdb-gst-27-july-2016 cartoonkini-1mdb-new-york-7-aug-2016 cartoonkini-court-anwar-16-feb-2015 cartoonkini-cow-1-nov-2016 cartoonkini-curruption-17-august-2016 cartoonkini-halal-25-oct-2015-london cartoonkini-isap-new-2-dis-2015 cartoonkini-jet-step-17-june-2016-perth cartoonkini-last-drop-3-april-2014 cartoonkini-lelong-8-nov-20116 cartoonkini-merdeka-i-sept-2014 cartoonkini-nsc-6-dec-2015 cartoonkini-playing-field-25-sept-2016 cartoonkini-sapuman-17-aug-2015 cartoonkini-sara-hidup-21-dis-2015 cartoonkini-siapa-mo1-24-july-2016-copy-2 cartoonkini-supermoon-15-nov-2016 cartoonkini-top-secret-10-july-2016 cartoonkini-wasaraba-26-aug-2016 maudit-ka

Announcing Cartoon Exhibition in Petaling Jaya, Selangor from 3 Sept – 10 Sept 2016

  20160502_095000 OVER the years, I have done several exhibitions overseas - namely at the British Cartoon Museum (UK), Malmo (Sweden), Bilbao (Spain), Paris (France), Kentucky (US) and Geneva (Switzerland). I guess now it is the right time to do the same at home. I hereby would like to announce my special exhibition in Malaysia, with the theme - Cartoons For Rakyat and the title is "Zunar Cartoon @rt PJ." The exhibition will be held at Dataran PJ, opposite of Amcorp Mall Shopping Complex, Petaling Jaya from the 3rd of September to 10th of September 2016. Cartoons For Rakyat is an exhibition whereby all artworks will not be displayed in a gallery or an exhibition hall but in an open field instead. While an indoor exhibition may attract fans and collectors, an outdoor exhibition can provide more access for the public. In other words, while a gallery 'invites' people to see the exhibition, a public display 'comes' to you instead. This concept suits my objective as a cartoonist - to provide alternative information, stand, direction and of course jokes to the people through my works. Open and public friendly exhibition is more effective and gives more impact for the country, like Malaysia. This concept is inspired by my recent exhibition in Geneva which was held along the lake Lac Leman, organised by Cartooning For Peace Foundation. 20 of my best cartoons have been selected, printed on giant billboards and will be on display. The subjects will include my view and perception of the 1MDB's Scandal, GST, Merdeka, the Sedition Act, the domineering wife of the PM, corruption and conspiracies against Anwar Ibrahim. All are invited for the launch on the 3rd of September, 5pm at the venue. It will be officiated by Selangor State Exco Member, Elizabeth Wong. I would like to thank the Selangor State Government, Selangor Tourism, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) and members of Kumpulan Kartunis Independen (KKI) for their support for this exhibition. Zunar, Political cartoonist 1 Sept 2016 ***************************** ABOUT ZUNAR Zunar (Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque) is a political cartoonist from Malaysia. His slogan is "How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand". He is now facing nine charges under Sedition Act and facing possible 43 years jail if found guilty. He was detained and locked behind bars twice - first time was on September 2010 for two days and then on 10th of February 2015 for three days. Five of his cartoon books have been banned and his office in Kuala Lumpur has been raided a few times and thousands of my cartoon books were confiscated. The printers and bookstores around the country which carry his cartoon works, have been raided and they have also been warned not to print or carry any of his titles. October 2014, three of his assistants were arrested for selling his cartoon books. The webmaster, who manages his website and online bookstore, was called in by the police for interrogating Philosophy: 1. How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand 2. Talent is not a gift, talent is a responsibility 3. The can ban my books, they can ban my cartoon, but they cannot ban my mind, I will keep drawing until the last drop of my ink Award: 1) “Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award 2011” by Cartoonists Right Network International 2) "Cartooning For Peace Award 2016" Geneva 3) Human Rights Watch Hellman/Hammett Award for 2011 & 2015 4) International Press Freedom Award, Committee to Protect Journalist, New York 2015 ********************************** Mengumumkan Pameran Kartun di Petaling Jaya, Selangor dari 3 - 10 Sept Selama beberapa tahun, saya mengadakan pameran di luar negara seperti di British Cartoon Museum, Malmo (Sweden), Bilbao (Spain), Paris, Kentucky (US) dan Geneva; saya rasa sekarang adalah masa yang sesuai untuk mengadakan pameran serupa di negara sendiri. Saya dengan ini mengumumkan pameran khas di Malaysia dengan tema - Kartun Untuk Rakyat dan bertajuk "Kartun Zunar @rt PJ. Pameran ini akan diadakan di Dataran PJ, berhadapan dengan kompleks membeli belah Amcorp Mall dari 3 September hingga 10 September. Dengan konsep "Kartun Untuk Rakyat" bererti karya-karya tersebut tidak akan dipamer di dalam galeri atau dalam dewan pameran, sebaliknya akan diadakan di atas padang terbuka. Manakala pameran pameran di tempat tertutup boleh menarik peminat dan penggemar seni, pameran di luar boleh memberi lebih banyak ruang akses kepada orang ramai. Dengan lain perkataan, pameran dalam galeri mengundang anda ke sana, sedangkan pameran di luar datang kepada anda. Konsep ini amat sesuai dengan objektif saya sebagai kartunis - untuk memberi informasi alternatif, pendirian, hala tuju dan jenaka kepada orang ramai melalui karya-karya saya. Pameran mesra rakyat seumpama ini lebih berkesan dan akan memberi labih banyak impak untuk negara seperti Malaysia. Stail ini adalah inspirasi dari pameran terbaru saya di Geneva yang diadakan sepanjang tasik Lac Leman yang dianjur oleh Yayasan Cartooning For Peace. Sebanyak 20 karya-karya terbaik saya akan dicetak diatas billboard besar dan akan dipamer di pameran tersebut. Subjek-subjek termasuk tafsiran dan pandangan saya mengenai Skandal 1MDB, GST, Merdeka, Akta Hasutan, PM dan isteri, rasuah serta konspirasi terhadap Anwar Ibrahim. Semua dijemput untuk hadir di majlis pelancaran pada 3 September jam 5 petang di tapak pameran tersebut. Perasmian akan disempurnakan oleh Ahli Exco Kerajaan Negeri, Elizabeth Wong. Saya juga ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Selangor, Selangor Tourism, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) dan ahli-ahli Kumpulan Kartunis Independen (KKI) atas sokongan mereka untuk pameran ini. Zunar, Kartunis Politik 1 Sept 2016 ***************************** MENGENAI ZUNAR Zunar, nama sebenar Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque adalah kartunis politik di Malaysia. Karya-karya beliau memfokus kepada membongkar korupsi, salah laku dan kezaliman pihak pemerintan. Pada 10 Feb 2015, beliau ditangkap dan dimasukkan ke lokap selama tiga hari dan di dakwa ke mahkamah atas sembilan tuduhan di bawah Akta Hasutan kerana mengritik kerajaan dan hakim. Hukuman maksima untuk semua kesalahan ini adalah 43 tahun penjara. Sebelum itu, pada September 2010, beliau juga pernah ditangkap di bawah undang-undang yang sama. Selain itu, pemerintah mengharamkan tujuh buku kartun beliau. Pejabat beliau sering diserbu dan ribuan buku kartun dirampas. Pembantu jualan dan pengendali laman web beliau juga ditangkap dan disiasat Pengilang dan pekedai di seluruh Malaysia diugut supaya tidak mencetak dan menjual buku-buku kartun beliau. Philosophy: 1. How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand 2. Talent is not a gift, talent is a responsibility 3. The can ban my books, they can ban my cartoon, but they cannot ban my mind, I will keep drawing until the last drop of my ink Award: 1) “Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award 2011” by Cartoonists Right Network International 2) "Cartooning For Peace Award 2016" Geneva 3) Human Rights Watch Hellman/Hammett Award for 2011 & 2015 4) International Press Freedom Award, Committee to Protect Journalist, New York 2015