Political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, better known as Zunar, will be filing a legal challenge soon against the government.

This comes after it was announced yesterday that his 2015 cartoon book “Sapuman - Man of Steal” had been banned under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

This is not the first time that his cartoon books have faced the ban hammer.

Zunar's other cartoon books  - “Gedung Kartun”, “1 Funny Malaysia”, “Isu Dalam Kartun” (volumes one, two and three), “Conspiracy to Imprison Anwar”, “Perak Darul Kartun” and “Pirates of Carry-BN” - were also similarly banned while others, such as “Ros in Kangkongland” are currently being investigated under the Sedition Act. 

“Let's make it clear. If the government does not like my cartoons (and) I do not expect that it will, I have no problem with it.

“But you cannot translate your interpretation into law by banning a book of my thoughts. This is against the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. 

“I have discussed with my lawyers and will file a legal challenge soon,” he said in a statement today. 

Defending his books, Zunar insisted that he “does not make fantasy cartoons”.

“My cartoons are results from my reaction on current issues, especially on corruption. For instance, the cover of “Sapuman” is about the 1MDB scandal, which involves billions of ringgit.

“If there was no 1MDB scandal, I would not produce this particular cartoon. Do not blame the cartoonist if politicians steal billions,” he added.

Despite the latest book ban, Zunar said this would not stop him from drawing cartoons “to expose corruption and injustice”.

“You can ban my books, you can ban my cartoons, but you cannot ban my mind. When the government is faulty, drawing cartoons is a duty,” he said. 

Apart from the ban on his books, Zunar has been arrested several times previously and is now facing nine charges under the Sedition Act 1948.

He is also banned from travelling abroad.