Political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque (Zunar) has been arrested for sedition for holding an exhibition on cartoons that allegedly insulted Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Zunar was also arrested under Section 504 of the Penal Code which deals with intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

He was earlier asked to give a statement at the Northeast Police headquarters in Jalan Pattani.

According to Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, police will now confiscate his artworks.

"Police will now go to Komtar together with Zunar to confiscate all his artworks. The location is at Asia Comic Museum Komtar level 3," Sim said.

A check by Malaysiakini at Komtar found plainclothes police officers carting away Zunar's artworks. 

Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer is representing Zunar.

Northeast district police chief ACP Meor Farid Alatrash has confirmed the arrest.

"He will be detained 24 hours to assist in investigation.. if the probe is not complete, we shall seek a remand order tomorrow morning."

This is Zunar's 10th arrest under the Sedition Act. He currently faces nine charges amounting to 43 years' jail, if convicted.

Zunar also faces a travel ban pending his trial.

Yesterday, Zunar's exhibition in Komtar was disrupted by a group of 30 Umno members led by Penang Umno Youth chief Rafizal Abdul Rahim.

They kicked down and damaged two of his artworks.

Zunar claimed four punches were hurled at him and they pulled his collar but he managed to avoid them.

Rafizal warned his members would use force on Zunar should he continue his exhibition which was supposed to be held until Dec 2.

Rafizal alleged Zunar's artwork was an insult to Najib, who is also BN and Umno chief.

Chorus of condemnations

Zunar’s exhibition was part of the George Town Literary Festival.

In a statement this evening, the George Town Literary Festival condemned Zunar’s arrest.

“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.

The festival organisers urged the authorities to immediately free Zunar and refrain from further disruption of the festival, which involves 60 writers from 20 countries.

Michael Vatikiotis, a writer at the festival, also slammed the arrest.

“Levels of repression are reaching dangerous levels in Malaysia.

“The fact that Zunar’s arrest happened at the George Town Literary Festival, with dozens of international writers and artists, only underscores the government’s disregard for freedom of expression,” said Vatikiotis.

Meanwhile, national laureate Muhammad Salleh defended Zunar.

“Zunar is an artist and a conscience of society. He was painting on our behalf and is committed to free speech and expression for Malaysians.

“Only through free speech can we be a nation that is truly democratic,” he said.

Bukit Bendera MP Zairul Khir Johari said the arrest had marred the George Town Literary Festival.

“Yesterday, a group of hooligans violently harassed Zunar at his exhibition in Komtar, and today, instead of arresting his attackers, the authorities have charged Zunar with sedition,” he said.