Cartoonist Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque, popularly known as Zunar, has accepted an international award acknowledging the courage of his work.

Zunar received the ‘Courage in Editorial Cartooning’ award from US-based Cartoonists Rights Network International (CRNI) in St Petersburg, Florida, last Thursday.

cartoon-o-phobia zunar press conference in malaysiakini 1 In his acceptance speech, the rebel cartoonist vowed to continue championing for justice with his pen.

"In Malaysia, as well as in Third World countries and in the Middle East, cartoonists face bigger challenges. It is a thin line between the comic strips and prison stripes,” he said.

"But we must be ready to face the consequences. We have to keep fighting. We have to continue drawing until the last drop of ink!”

The cartoonist - who had been arrested last September shortly before the launch of his publication 'Cartoon-o-phobia' - remains undeterred and strong in his resolve.

"My philosophy is clear: in order to make an impact, we must do it to the fullest. My method is to criticise the most powerful leaders in the hardest ways. Why pinch when you can punch?"

NONE CRNI director Robert Russell commended Zunar for his confrontational style as a "roadmap towards defending freedom of speech".

"There is not a corrupt politician or story of malfeasance or an instance of corruption that does not escape the attention of his pen," Russell said.

The CRNI claims to represent more than 600 cartoonists globally, with 21 affiliates, mainly in developing countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Zunar and Malaysiakini have filed law suits against the Home Ministry, challenging the banning of two books of his works, ‘Perak Darul Kartun’ and ‘1Funny Malaysia’, and a decision on a judicial review application on this matter is due on Thursday.            

Zunar's latest publication, 'Even My Pen Has a Stand' went on sale on July 2 and can now be ordered online .