Selling books online is Zunar's only option

When it comes to those in power, cartoonist Zunar pulls no punches and serves his anti-corruption message with a generous dose of humour.

However, his sharp pen and wit have been met with the brute force of the authorities, which is no laughing matter.

In a recent interview with Malaysiakini, Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee SM Anwarul Haque, said he has taken a hit financially, now that no one will retail his book, nor can he sell it in the open himself for fear of confiscation.

"Even during my previous launch, I was arrested and handcuffed," he said, explaining his decision to move retailing entirely online through his website.

In December 2016, Zunar suffered heavy losses when the police seized about 1,000 copies of his cartoon books and other merchandise.

Some of his supporters who tried to argue with the police were also arrested.

Zunar said a public launch of any new product was off the cards for now because he doesn't want the public to face trouble with the police again.

As such, he will not be able to launch his new book, "Ketawa Pink Pink", in public.

Printing after dark

The lack of retailing options aside, Zunar said he was facing another problem - dwindling number of willing printers.

All books are required by law to carry details of the printer and a number of Zunar's former printers were threatened with revocation of their printing licences.

"I even travel outside the Klang Valley to find a printer. From Seremban to Penang, all I got were 'noes'," he said.

After three months of searching, Zunar found a willing printer, but unconventional methods had to be employed.

"He refused to keep our sample on his premises and he only agreed to print at night," he added.

Raising awareness

For Zunar, cartooning is not just about entertainment but an educational tool on how corruption was taking a toll on the country.

"Ketawa Pink Pink", he explained, was his maiden effort to target the women by illustrating how ill-gotten gains have been used to enrich the powerful.

"The cover itself features diamonds, the Birkin bag and the expensive hairdo juxtaposed against rising cost of living. These are concepts that women can relate to.

"I want the readers to understand that there is a very clear connection between corruption and cost of living," he said.

Zunar has been contributing cartoons to Malaysiakini since 2003. -Mkini