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.
Malaysian cartoonist Zunar is facing charges under a colonial-era sedition act. (Photo: Sean Gallagher/Index on Censorship)
Malaysian police have opened an investigation on the latest book of political cartoons by Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque, or Zunar.
A sales assistant who manages online sales of the title, Sapuman – Man of Steal, on the website zunar.my has been ordered to attend a meeting with police under the sedition act. The questioning will take place in central Kuala Lumpur on Monday 5 October at noon.
“I strongly condemn these latest police tactics to frighten people from getting access to read and buy my books. My sales assistant did nothing illegal as the Sapuman – Man of Steal is not officially banned by the government. On the contrary, the police should investigate who took RM2.6 billion ($384 million) of public funds instead of clamping down on book sellers who sell books legally,” Zunar said in a statement.
This is the second online sales manager who has been investigated by the police. In November 2014, Zunar’s webmaster was investigated under the sedition act and the penal code. The police also harrassed MOLPay, a cash payment service for e-commerce merchants, to disclose the names of the cartoonist’s online customers, but the company refused to reveal the information. Zunar’s books cannot be sold in stores throughout the country due to pressure from authorities.
Sapuman is Zunar’s 18th book of political cartoons. Previously, seven of his books were banned by the government and confiscated by the police. Other books included Conspiracy to Imprison Anwar, Pirates of Carry-BN and Rose in Kangkong Land.
Zunar is currently facing nine simultaneous charges and 43 years in prison under the country’s controversial sedition act. The case, which was brought against him in April 2015, has now been postponed until 6 November while a legal challenge to the act is reviewed in Malaysia’s courts.
“Zunar and those who work with him are being harassed simply for exercising his right to express himself. We reiterate our call on Malaysia to immediately drop all charges against Zunar, stop targeting his colleagues and respect free expression,” said Index on Censorship CEO Jodie Ginsberg.
Malaysian cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, aka Zunar, currently faces a record number of nine simultaneous charges under Malaysia’s controversial sedition act in a trial that is scheduled to begin on July 7.
Join Index in signing this petition for charges against him to be dropped.
Zunar has been repeatedly targeted for his editorial cartoons that critique the Malaysian government, which has banned much of Zunar’s work and repeatedly subjected him to raids, arrest and detainment.
Zunar, who joined Index at an event on cartoons and censorship in London in May, told Index: “The Malaysian government keeps taking giant reverse steps in terms of human rights and the right for expression. There is no light at the end of the democratic tunnel. I hope for freedom, but prepare to fight on.”
Index on Censorship has called on the Malaysian government to repeal the sedition act. “Malaysia is using an outdated and outmoded act to stifle free expression in the country,” said Index CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “We ask Malaysia to drop its case against Zunar.”
29 Oct: My fight through cartoons: In conversation with Zunar