At the launch of the 2018 Malaysian Cartoonists Day on April 1, Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak announced a RM2.7 million fund for the cartoon and animation industry.
He also gave a breakdown of the proposed expenses. RM2 million will be used by the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation to purchase content from animation companies. RM500,000 will be diverted to the Malaysia Cartoon and Comic Home while the rest will be used by Gila-Gila Magazine to digitalise its cartoon collection.
Many Malaysian cartoonists were invited to the event. But one appeared to be missing: Zunar. Surely this was the elephant in the room that everyone missed. Was Zunar excluded, and if he was, why?
Zunar may be a thorn in the authorities’ side, but surely his drawings were relevant to the event. Among the many styles which exist among cartoonists, his speciality of mocking leaders should not be used against him.
But more than just content, Zunar’s technique could have been a draw at such events. Veteran cartoonist Lat, whose drawings are filled with background detail like trees and houses, uses a different technique from Zunar who employs minimum strokes to express an idea.
Both are famous for their cartoons: Zunar’s depict injustice, corruption and power-grabbing, while Lat’s show the Malaysian way of life in both rural and urban settings. If they had shared the same stage, they would undoubtedly have pulled in the crowds.
Just imagine the effect of featuring two cartoonists, one apparently pro-establishment and the other who dares to test the boundaries.
When it comes to art or creative expression, our juices flow better when we allow our minds to wander and are not hindered by one common rule.
Creative expression is not like turning a tap on or off. We cannot express ourselves properly if we are ordered to behave in a certain way.
A cartoonist cannot produce his best work if he is told to draw a cartoon based on the dictates of an editor. A cartoonist is not an illustrator, nor does he function like a computer programme which draws pictures within the confines set by an editor or censorship board. A cartoonist does not draw on demand.
Cartoonists are some of the most perceptive people in society, and there are many creative youngsters out there. It would be a pity if their artistic endeavours are stifled because the organisers wear blinkers.
Mariam Mokhtar is an FMT columnist.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMT.