Zunar slams Harapan's pledges, points to repressive laws
Zunar has warned the Pakatan Harapan government that it will be targeted in his cartoons as BN was if reforms are not forthcoming.
Speaking at his first solo exhibition in Penang launched by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, the political cartoonist said that although he is aiding nation-building efforts through his cartoons, it does not mean that Harapan will escape criticism...
Zunar has warned the Pakatan Harapan government that it will be targeted in his cartoons as BN was if reforms are not forthcoming.
Speaking at his first solo exhibition in Penang yesterday, the political cartoonist said that although he is aiding nation-building efforts through his cartoons, it does not mean Harapan will escape criticism.
"My job remains the same. I will criticise the government when necessary," he said. "In terms of the economy or reforms, they have not done much. There is no need to use money to do it."
Zunar – the pen name of Zulkiflee Anwar SM Alhaque – pointed out that several oppressive laws curbing freedom of speech and expression still remain in place.
Under the previous administration, he faced nine charges under the Sedition Act 1948, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Immigration Act 1959, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, and the Penal Code.
"These acts are still around. They (Harapan) have the power to repeal these laws, but they did not do it," he said.
"I want to say that whatever criticisms I made against BN, do not think I will not do it to Harapan. So please carry out the necessary reforms.
"I will criticise them for the rakyat, because we do not want Harapan to rule another 60 years if it is going to be like BN."
Zunar displayed over 200 of his original works at the exhibition held at the Balai Seni Lukis Pulau Pinang, which was launched by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.
These include his self-portraits, political commentary, his views on slain Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu, and his previously banned book, Sapuman - Man of Steal.
'Post-Rosmah'
Zunar also dedicated a category, "Rosku Sayangku (Ros, My Love)" in reference to Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak. He says that she has been his inspiration because she is "so cartoonable."
The cartoonist had the crowd in stitches when he admitted that he misses Rosmah, joking that he has been suffering from "post-Rosmah syndrome."
Displayed against a bright orange backdrop were a replica of handcuffs and purple prison garb, which were used on Zunar during his detention.
A portrait of the cartoonist drawn by Anwar when he was in prison also forms part of the 13-week exhibition.
'Our job is not finished yet'
Zunar went on to say that after May 9, many voters are of the opinion that their job is done and reforms should be left to the new Harapan government.
"However, such thinking is wrong. Our job is not finished.
"We need to build this nation together. Do not just hope for the politicians to do it, don't just complain on social media," he told the crowd of 200.
Zunar said there is no retirement for cartoonists, unlike army generals or police officers.
"A cartoonist never stops working. I am not satisfied with the present government and I want to help the country," he said.
"I realise our awareness about corruption is still not up to mark, so I am involved in a project to help schools with materials to raise awareness of corrupt practices."
Accompanying Anwar during the launch of the exhibition were state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairperson Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Art District chairperson Lee Khai and exhibition curator Haryani Mohamad.
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