Zunar acts on 'fabrication' of his cartoons on social media

Political cartoonist Zunar has lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the fabrication of his cartoons on social media.

In a statement issued to the media today, Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee SM Anwarul Haque, named two Facebook account holders and one Twitter account holder for fabricating and editing his original artwork.

After allegedly fabricating and editing his pieces, the trio had published the images on their social media, claimed Zunar, who provided screenshots of the edited works.

"I felt angry and annoyed by their actions because, as an artist, I value my original works and any attempt at fabricating or editing my works amounts to stealing and is akin to plagiarism, which is a big no-no in the publishing industry," Zunar told Malaysiakini when contacted.

"It is also an ethical issue. Why can't they use their own creativity to draw their own cartoons? Please don't steal. It is shameless," he added.

Zunar named Facebook account holder ‘Neezam Perkasa’ for posting a modified cartoon of his on April 1 this year or sometime before the date.

He also named another Facebook account holder, ‘Roslan Bian’, for posting a modified cartoon on March 29 or before, while Twitter account holder ‘Tun Faisal’ posted a modified cartoon on March 31 or before.

Tun Faisal also posted another modified cartoon on April 1 or before, Zunar said.

Malaysiakini is trying to contact the trio for their comments.

"This is a serious case of infringement and violation of intellectual property rights.

"Besides fabricating and editing, they also added slanderous and malicious words that are paramount to destroying my reputation," Zunar said.

"By the time this statement is released, they may have deleted the said postings, but that does not mean they can get away with it."

Zunar has also attached his original works, which were published in October 2012 and December 2015.

He demanded that the three make public apologies to him and post their apologies in their respective social media.

He said the words of their apologies must obtain approval from him prior to the postings.

They were told to email him at failkartun@gmail.com or send a direct message to Facebook Zunar Cartoonist Fan Club for the approval.

"They are given seven (7) days to do so. Failing which, I will not hesitate to take legal action against them. I have consulted my lawyers pertaining to this matter.

"This stern action is not subjected to just the three of them. My team will keep a vigilant eye on irresponsible activities on social media for similar actions to be taken," Zunar added. - Mkini