Zunar: You can ban my books, not my mind
Political cartoonist Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque will not cave in to pressure, despite being fearful of landing behind bars.
Better known as Zunar, the cartoonist said he has the responsibility to "expose corruption and injustices".
Political cartoonist Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque will not cave in to pressure, despite being fearful of landing behind bars.
Better known as Zunar, the cartoonist said he has the responsibility to "expose corruption and injustices".
"Talent is not a gift, but a responsibility. Do I fear jail? Yes. But responsibility is bigger than fear.
"You can ban my books, you can ban my cartoons, but you cannot ban my mind. I will keep drawing until the last drop of my ink," he added in a media statement.
Last Saturday, Zunar was arrested during a fund-raising programme in Kuala Lumpur, where the police confiscated more than 1,000 books, which the cartoonist said caused him an estimated loss of about RM30,000.
"I was taken to the police station and investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for being (involved in activities) detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
"I was questioned for almost six hours and released on bail at midnight. I would have to report back to the police station on Dec 30, 2016," he added.
Zunar said he was informed that the police would also apply to forfeit his rights over the books, which target Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.
Last month's arrest under Sedition Act
Last month, Zunar was arrested under the Sedition Act after a group led by Penang Umno Youth chief Rafizal Abdul Rahim disruped the cartoonist's exhibition in Komtar and damaged some of the works.
The group, who are also being investigated over the fracas, claimed the cartoons were insulting to the prime minister.
Following this incident, inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar advised the cartoonist to draw things such as Donald Duck instead of disparaging leaders.
Meanwhile human rights group Suaram condemned the arrest of Zunar and called on the government to stop harassing the cartoonist.
"The arrest of Zunar and the confiscation of his cartoon and artwork over the weekend can only be described as an act of intimidation.
"It is targeted to silence freedom of expression and punish those who publicly express their dissent and dissatisfaction with the current state of governance," Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said in a statement today.
Suaram also called on the government to abolish the Sedition Act, under which Zunar is facing nine charges.


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