A new political cartoon book by cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque - or more popularly known as Zunar - will be out in the market on Sept 24.

zunar new comic cartoon-o-phobia The book titled Cartoon-o-phobia features a collection of political cartoons that have appeared on the Malaysiakini website as well as unpublished cartoons and fresh artworks.

Although three of his previous books - 1 Funny Malaysia, Perak Darul Kartun and Isu Dalam Kartun were banned by the Home Ministry, Zunar said that he is willing to take the risk by releasing this new book.

“Will this latest book also possibly be banned? Actually this never crossed my mind when I produced the book. But I am ready to face the consequences,” he told Malaysiakini today.

He added that as long as there is support from his readers, he will continue to publish his work.

“Only with the support of fans, readers and the people who care, can the publishing of my cartoons and books continue,” he said.

NONE Zunar ( right ) said that the idea for the new book was conceived after his previous books were banned.

“The Home Ministry said that the contents (of the books) were considered ‘detrimental to public order’ and can ‘influence the people to revolt against the readers and government policies’.

“Hence, Cartoon-o-phobia was chosen as the title to illustrate and reflect the fears of certain parties to cartoons.

“I am thinking of registering the term ‘Cartoon-o-phobia’ as a new word that carries the definition of ‘individuals or parties who are afraid of cartoons and use political power to act against cartoonists’,” he said.

He said that the content of this book are sharper, more solid and have more bite as compared to his previous books.

“The issues covered are the murder of Altantuya, the conspiracy against Anwar, the PM’s wife, the loss of jet engines, the Scorpene that cannot dive, Sarawak, racism, corruption and waste of public funds, among others,” he said.

The book, published my Malaysiakini , will be launched on Sept 24 at 8pm at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall by ousted Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin.

“I hope my readers will come and show their support,” he said.

Cartoon-o-phobia

has 80 full-colour pages and will be sold at RM25.00. It can also be purchased online via gerakbudaya.com and cartoonkafe.com .