A total of 202 art works of Zukiflee Anwar Haque, better known as Zunar, will be exhibited at the Penang State Art Gallery from Tuesday (May 7) until May 28.
Met by reporters after PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the exhibition on Sunday (May 5), Zunar expressed his joy as his works could now be displayed at a major exhibition in Penang.
“After the 2016 incident in Komtar (where Zunar’s drawings were removed from an exhibition), it is like re-creating the exhibition.
“This first-of-its-kind exhibition is very special with exceptional colours showcasing my 202 works,” he said.
Anwar suggested that every art gallery in other states showcase Zunar’s works.
“Zunar is a cartoonist who has a deep understanding of the political sensitivity of issues related to the people.
“His choice of words, sense of taste and the pulse of people are combined in his artworks.
“That is why Zunar’s works are popular,” said Anwar.
Zunar has warned the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government that it will be targeted in his cartoons as BN was if reforms are not forthcoming.
The political cartoonist said that although he is aiding nation-building efforts through his cartoons, it does not mean PH 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 also pointed out that several oppressive laws curbing freedom of speech and expression still remain in place.
“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.”
The leading satirist 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 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 said.
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.”