Lat thanks PM for featuring old work, draws new comic

 

Beloved local cartoonist Mohammad Nor Khalid, better known as Lat, was delighted that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim referenced his old artwork, so much so that he was inspired to draw his latest comic.

“I made this cartoon drawing to thank the PM for posting my old work from the 90s,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

In his latest painting, the famous ‘Kampung Boy’ character is sitting on the sidewalk selling Lat’s old comics.

Meanwhile, a man in a car - believed to be Anwar - admired the comics through the open window of the vehicle.

Recently, an old drawing of Lat’s went viral, which showed five individuals reading books about famous scholars such as Socrates, Confucius, Abu’l Fath Al Busti, and Lao-Tze. Anwar also shared the comic on his social media.

It is believed that the comic was conceptualising Anwar’s office when he was deputy prime minister more than two decades ago.

“Thank you, Lat. It’s not too late to cultivate a reading culture.

“Illustrious works must be studied by today’s youths to fight ignorance and adopt critical thinking skills,” Anwar said in a post on social media on Dec 11.

Meanwhile, Lat said many people are struggling with illnesses and hardship since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and he believes the government needs to come up with new ideas to address Malaysia’s various issues.

Mohammad Nor Khalid, better known as Lat

“I wish the government can give the people a new hope.

“To help us move forward, to take care and provide aid to the people,” said Lat when asked about his hopes for Anwar’s administration.

In a related development, Lat said he appreciates his fans for keeping and remembering his works.

He said he often sees his old comics re-emerging on social media due to their relation to current affairs, festivals, jokes, and so on.

Lat also announced the opening of an art museum called Rumah Lat and a gallery in Batu Gajah, Perak, which will exhibit all of his artworks. - Mkini