At the recent launch of Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda, Shah Alam, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised cartoonist Zunar for his steadfast efforts to revitalise the local art scene through politically charged works, despite many challenges.
The Prime Minister noted that while Zunar’s cartoons may be sharp and uncompromising, they offer deep insights into current issues that society must understand - and often carry significant political impact.
"An artist's sketches are the outpouring of the heart, driven by conviction. When a work is created freely and sincerely, the risks it carries are equally great," said Anwar.
"He (Zunar) grew up in a country where free artistic expression was restricted, and he too was affected by that atmosphere.
"Young people should understand that the situation has now changed - we provide space for expression. We may not always agree with the works produced, nor do they necessarily align with our tastes or the interests of those in power, but that is the essence of a democratic environment."
Describing Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, as a close friend, Anwar also said the public should show appreciation for the artist’s contributions by supporting his newly launched book, as many of his earlier works were reproduced without permission.
"There is no denying that his cartoons were popular, but previously there was no copyright protection. They were distributed and reprinted freely. So, we should repay him by purchasing the book, because for decades he contributed during the reform era, yet people did not buy his works - they simply reprinted them,” he said.
Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar spans 230 pages, and chronicles key milestones in the Kedah-born artist's career, from his early cartoons in Bambino and Gila-Gila magazines to his contributions in Berita Harian, Harakah, and MalaysiaKini. - Bernama
