Political cartoonist Zunar has warned the Pakatan Harapan government that he will lampoon it in his cartoons, as he did the previous BN regime, if reforms are not forthcoming.
Speaking at his first solo exhibition in Penang, which was launched by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, Zunar said although he is helping the government in nation-building, it does not mean that he will not criticise it.
"My job remains the same. I will criticise the government when necessary. In terms of the economy, or reforms, they have not done much, there is no need to use money to do it," said Zunar, whose full name is Zulkiflee Anwar SM Alhaque.
He pointed out that there are several repressive laws, which continue to curb freedom of speech and artistic expression and which were also used to arrest him, before the BN federal government was toppled on May 9.
During BN rule, he faced nine charges under six oppressive laws - the Sedition Act, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Penal Code, the Immigration Act 1959/1963, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
"These Acts are still around. They (Pakatan Harapan) have the power to repeal these laws but they did not do it," Zunar said, appearing very disappointed.
"I want to say that whatever criticisms I made against BN, do not think I will not do it to Harapan. So please do 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 the BN," he added.
At the exhibition, held at the Balai Seni Lukis Pulau Pinang on Lebuh Farquhar, Zunar's 200 original artworks are displayed in several categories. These include his self portraits, political commentary, his views on slain Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu and his previously banned book, "Sapuman - Man of Steal".
He also dedicated a category, titled 'Rosku Sayangku' (Ros, My Love), to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's wife Rosmah Mansor, who has been his inspiration and muse, because she is "so cartoonable".
Zunar had the crowd in stitches when he admitted that he misses Rosmah, joking that his doctor has diagnosed him as suffering from a depression called "post Rosmah syndrome."
Displayed on a background of bright orange, the exhibition also features a replica of handcuffs and purple prison garb, which were used on Zunar during his detention.
A portrait of Zunar drawn by Anwar, while he was in prison, is also part of the 13-week exhibition.
Zunar went on to say that after May 9, many voters are of the opinion that their job is done and reforms are left to the new Pakatan Harapan government.
"However, such thinking is wrong. Our job is not finished yet.
"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 a crowd of 200 who attended the launch of his exhibition.
Zunar said there is no retirement for a cartoonist, 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.
"I realise that 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," he said.
"For example, many think that donations are not bribery. So, in these educational materials, we want to show that donations can also be bribery," Zunar added.
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. - Mkini
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