Malaysian cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, aka Zunar, is currently in the UK to raise awareness ahead of his court case in his home country at the start of next month. He is facing nine charges of sedition for criticising Malaysia’s judiciary over the recent incarceration of a Malaysian opposition leader and could be sentenced to a maximum of 43 years imprisonment.
While in the UK, Zunar will be part of an exhibition at the Cartoon Museum.
“I want people to understand the situation in Malaysia through cartoons,” he said during an interview with Index on Censorship. The full video can be seen above.
“I will never stop,” he added. “It is my right as a citizen to express my view and my responsibility as a cartoonist to give alternative views.”
Zunar and his work have been repeatedly targeted by the Malaysian authorities. In September this year, police opened an investigation on his latest book of political cartoons, Sapuman – Man of Steal. A sales assistant who manages online sales of the title was questioned by police under the Sedition Act. A number of his cartoon books been banned by the government.
This article was posted on 29 October 2015 at indexoncensorship.org
Malaysian cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, aka Zunar, is facing nine simultaneous charges under the country’s Sedition Act and will appear in court on 6 November. He could be sentenced to 43 years in prison for drawing cartoons that mock Malaysia’s corrupt government officials.
Ahead of his court appearance, Zunar is coming to the UK to display a small selection of his work as part of the permanent exhibition at the Cartoon Museum and several other events.
29 Oct: My fight through cartoons: In conversation with Zunar
Join Index on Censorship, Amnesty International and SUARAM International to hear a courageous artist speak about his cartoons and his inspirations, and human rights and freedom of expression in his home country Malaysia. When: Thursday, 29 Oct, 2015, 6pm – 8:30pm Where: Amnesty International UK, Human Rights Action Centre, London, EC2A 3EA (map) Tickets: Free, but registration required Full details
In early October 2015, the country’s Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality to the Sedition Act. The decision was a setback for Zunar, who’s trial had been postponed pending the outcome.
The court, challenged by law professor Azmi Sharom, ruled on 6 October that the Sedition Act 1948 remains constitutional and a valid piece of legislation. Azmi had argued that the Sedition Act 1948 is not a valid law as it was not enacted by parliament and contradicted with the Article 10 of Malaysia’s constitution.
At the time, Zunar said: “The decision by the court simply mocked the Constitution and [is] politically motivated.”
The cartoonist said the Sedition Act has been used as political weapon by the government to constrain and curtail freedom of expression since it was introduced in 1948. More than 200 activists – students, lecturers, lawyers, writers, religious activists, opposition leaders and cartoonist – have either been arrested, detained, investigated or charged since last year.
“I am now being slapped with nine charges under the draconian act and facing a possible 43 years of jail term,” he added. “The hope to get justice from the court is just fairy tale.”
Zunar is a Malaysian political cartoonist who has been repeatedly targeted by authorities on account of his work.
Five of his cartoon books have been banned by the Malaysian government for allegedly carrying content “detrimental to public order” and thousands confiscated in an effort to curtail freedom of expression.
On the eve of his trial, and facing a maximum penalty of 43 years imprisonment, Zunar is coming to the UK to exhibit a small selection of his work at the Cartoon Museum.
Join us to hear a courageous artist speak about his cartoons and his inspirations, and human rights and freedom of expression in his home country Malaysia.
The evening will include film, a talk and Q&A from Zunar, and a chance to draw your own cartoon, with tips from Zunar himself – telling the Malaysian authorities to drop all charges against a man who might otherwise spend the rest of his life in jail.
When: Thursday, 29 Oct, 2015, 6pm – 8:30pm Where: Amnesty International UK, Human Rights Action Centre, London, EC2A 3EA (map) Tickets: Free, but registration required
6:00pm – Arrival
6:15pm – Documentary screening
6:45pm – Introductions
7:00pm – Zunar talk and Q&A
8:00pm – Draw your own cartoons with tips from Zunar
This event is being co-hosted by Amnesty International UK, Index on Censorship and SUARAM.
Malaysia’s decision to dismiss a challenge to the colonial-era Sedition Act has limited the country’s freedom of expression.
The Federal Court’s ruling is a setback to persecuted Malaysian cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, aka Zunar, who is facing nine simultaneous charges under the law and will appear court on 6 November.
“The ‘approval’ of the Sedition Act by the Federal Court is totally disappointing, unacceptable and undemocratic,” Zunar said in a statement.
The court, challenged by law professor Azmi Sharom, ruled on 6 October that the Sedition Act 1948 remains constitutional and a valid piece of legislation. Azmi had argued that the Sedition Act 1948 is not a valid law as it was not enacted by parliament and contradicted with the Article 10 of Malaysia’s constitution.
Article 10 of the constitution states, that “(a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms.”
Zunar said: “The decision by the court simply mocked the Constitution and [is] politically motivated.”
The cartoonist said the Sedition Act has been used as political weapon by the government to constrain and curtail freedom of expression since it was introduced in 1948. More than 200 activists – students, lecturers, lawyers, writers, religious activists, opposition leaders and cartoonist – have either been arrested, detained, investigated or charged since last year.
“I am now being slapped with nine charges under the draconian act and facing a possible 43 years of jail term,” he added. “The hope to get justice from the court is just fairy tale.”
