According to Amnesty International Malaysia, the support came in the form of letters, drawings, and petitions calling him to be freed of sedition charges. Zunar was chosen to be part of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights (#W4R) campaign last year.
Seven of Zunar’s cartoon books have so far been banned in Malaysia and nine charges of sedition, levelled against him.
“This global support has given me new strength to continue my fight for freedom. And what’s more important is I also got support from artists from all over the world.
“This will highlight to people just how limited the freedom of expression is in Malaysia.”
“If a cartoonist can face nine charges, with the possibility of 43 years in jail, you can imagine what type of freedom we actually have,” Zunar told FMT.
The “support” for Zunar came from 26 countries – the majority being from the Netherlands, followed by Italy and Canada.
Zunar also announced he would be launching another book called “Wasabi”, which stands for “Wa Sapu Billion” (I swindled billions).
The characters in the book would focus on Zunar’s favourite “targets” – Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor. It will also include a new character – that of Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.
The new comic is to be launched this Saturday.