Anwar praises Zunar, says Harapan leaders must be open to criticism
Pakatan Harapan leaders must be open to criticism, even to the point of being the subjects of Zunar's political cartoons, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Speaking at the cartoonist's exhibition of 200 original art pieces at Balai Seni Lukis in George Town, Anwar said politicians have to accept both praises and brickbats from the public...
Pakatan Harapan leaders must be open to criticism, even to the point of being the subjects of Zunar's political cartoons, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Speaking at the cartoonist's exhibition of 200 original art pieces at Balai Seni Lukis in George Town, Anwar said politicians have to accept both praises and brickbats from the public.
He urged political leaders to respect not just artists, but also public intellectuals and the freedom of conscience.
"Zunar's first series targeted Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his first 22-year tenure, his second series focused on former premier Najib Abdul Razak. I hope the third series is not on Anwar!"
"Still, I am here to honour a friend. But I must say I am a bit ashamed that Harapan is not doing enough to bring about the promised reforms, even after one year of the coalition's rule," he told the crowd of 200.
The former deputy prime minister is expected to succeed Mahathir, but it is uncertain when the transition will occur.
The works of Zunar, the pen name of Zulkiflee Anwar Alhaque, will be on display for three weeks in the "Art through Freedom" exhibition.
His latest collection of cartoons, Fight Through Cartoons, chronicles his story of harassment, intimidation and jail time, will also be on sale at the event.
Back in Komtar
The last time Zunar held an exhibition in Komtar, it was disrupted by Umno Youth members. This then led to his arrest under the Sedition Act, where 15 of his art pieces were seized by the police.
Anwar said the cartoonist is a part of the country's political history, and while Penang leads in holding his exhibition, other states must follow suit.
"It's part of our education, Zunar is known to many, especially to the intellectuals. He was the artist who popularised reformasi.
"Even the prison guards know Zunar. They used to tell me about his new cartoons when I was in jail. Later, my lawyers brought them in for me," he recalled.
Anwar said that Zunar has gained in popularity in the last few years, especially after his nine arrests under several laws, including the Sedition Act 1948 and Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984.
"Zunar's cartoons empower people, it is beautiful as it is artistic.
"It is humorous although the topics he touches on are serious, and he focuses on symbols such as hair, lips and noses. That is why he is so popular.
"Whenever I got his new books, I had time to reflect on them in prison as I had all the time in the world. Now I believe I know about art better than a curator," he joked.
Also present at the event were Tourism state exco Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Art District chairperson Lee Khai, PKR assemblypersons Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya), A Kumaresan (Subang Jaya), and Goh Choon Aik (Bukit Tambun).
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