Legendary cartoonist Datuk Lat, also known as Mohd Nor Khalid, expressed his gratitude to Malaysians for their enduring support of his work as he received the Anugerah Seniman Negara (ASN, National Arts Award) award on Wednesday.
He added is very proud of the award because it proved that comic artists are recognised on an equal footing with other arts and culture practitioners.
"I have been drawing comics for over 50 years, almost 60 years, for Malaysians of various races and ages, they have been my inspiration all this time, stories from society, current issues are among the ingredients in my comic drawings, thank you very much to all,” he said.
Expressing his appreciation to his parents, family, friends and teachers who have taught him, the Royal Artist also greatly appreciated the names of veteran artists who have been his mentors throughout his career.
"I have been guided by many great artists such as Rejabhad, Raja Hamzah, Alias Kulop, Saidin Yahya and Sulaiman Awang, some are no longer with us, some I have never met, but I learned how to draw a lot from them,” he said.
After nearly 40 years drawing for Berita Harian and New Straits Times, Lat says that while health now limits his drawing, he hopes his published work continues to inspire young artists.
On Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, presented the prestigious Anugerah Seniman Negara award to Lat, marking the award’s ninth year.
Lat received RM60,000, a letter of commendation, a trophy and a set of national clothes.
He was also awarded the status of a Guest Artist of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) as well as incentives to continue his art work and is eligible to receive first-class treatment at a government hospital.
Lat now fulfills his daily activities several times a week by visiting the Lat House Gallery located in Batu Gajah, Perak to meet with visitors at the gallery.
"I enjoy talking to those who come to appreciate local art, showing them letters from past publishers, and taking them to Kampung Boy's house. So far, entry (to the gallery) is still free," he said. - Bernama
