Book Review At least one cartoonist, has feathered his fears over the threat posed by the Home Ministry and police to embark on his seemingly endless fight to end racism in Malaysia.

zunar new kartoon book 091209 02 Of course, I am talking about the cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque or better known by his pen name, Zunar.

In his latest book published by Komas, Sweeping the dirt under the carpet , Zunar has presented a compilation of work that rips the mask off the real scenario behind the much ballyhooed multi-ethnic society hypocrisy.

In his slim volume of 64 pages, he has proved to be a worthy successor to the ancient court jesters who dedicated their lives  to puncturing the bloated ego of king and courtier.

Rulers in those days appeared to have been wise enough to realise the ill-effects of honey-tongued sycophants whose speciality was to pump up the egos of their masters.

Illustrated in a clear manner, the book explores 11 different race-related, must be shunned topics, by those who consider themselves civilised.

Malay supremacy and Malay plight

Zunar explores issues such as Article 153 which guarantees the special position the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, social contract and other ‘sensitive issues'.

One of his panels, Master Oh Master , highlights the issue of ‘Ketuanan Melayu' or Malay supremacy theme and how hollow it sounds in the face of the growing economic gulf between the rich and the poor in the community.

The way the author relates the issue of ‘pendatang' to racism in the cartoon, I am Malaysian , provokes questions about the ‘popular' 1Malaysia concept.

The issue of National Economic Policy (NEP) in which the primary focus is on the development of the Malays, also finds a place in the book shorn of all posturing and pretence.

On the surface it is pretty hilarious to see a cow going: "Mooo... Can't even get some grass" but that cannot hide the pain of the poor and marginalised still trapped in poverty.

His cartoons display the depth of his understanding and perception of our society's follies and foibles - in fact a reality check on the myths spread through the mainstream media - and a way to move forward.

In ancient times, court jesters such as Pak Pandir, now modernised and Tenali Raman of Tamil Nadu had the role of bringing down to earth power-holders with their satirical jabs delivered through thinly camouflaged seemingly silly antics.

Jerald Joseph, the director of Komas and editor of the book, regards the book as "a tool for the discussion on racism for the average person".

"I believe the book will open up more discussion on racism," he added.

The books, priced at RM20 each are now being distributed nationwide and would be available in bookstores and NGO centres soon.

The book was launched last week during a Komas-organised forum entitled, ‘Uncovering the dirt under the racism carpet' .