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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright December 2023
In a stunning twist of events, Sarawak, the tropical paradise home of the Rain Forest Music Festival, nestled within Malaysia, has graciously allowed political cartoonist Zunar to grace its shores. Oh, what a time to be alive!
Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, affectionately known as Zunar, was initially banned from entering Sarawak.
The reason? Well, that's about as clear as mud crab in a swamp.
Zunar, the rebel with a pencil, took to Facebook to share the thrilling saga of his detainment for a whopping three hours.
Such suspense!
But fear not, dear readers, for after some high-stakes negotiations with the Kuching immigration authorities, he was granted permission to set foot in Sarawak for a whole three days.
Yes, you read that right—three whole days of unbridled artistic expression.
The artist, on a noble mission to teach the fine art of cartoon-drawing at La Promenade Mall, declared that the show must go on!
Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding his blacklisting, Zunar remains undeterred. Sarawak, brace yourselves for a whirlwind of cartoon creativity that will last an entire 72 hours.
Let's not forget Zunar's past adventures with immigration authorities, including a riveting detention at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 2016.
The crime?
Allegedly tarnishing Malaysia's image by showcasing his cartoons in Geneva, Switzerland.
Oh, the horror! Malaysia, ever the protective guardian of its reputation, slapped Zunar with a two-year travel ban. Because nothing says "we cherish free speech," like restricting an artist's ability to leave the country.
But lo and behold, Zunar, armed with his mighty pen and legal prowess, challenged the travel ban in court.
Victory was eventually snatched from the jaws of oppression in 2018, coincidentally right after the Pakatan Harapan government took the reins. Talk about impeccable timing!
Known for his subtle and nuanced portrayals of former Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor, the FLOM, as paragons of virtue (note the sarcasm), Zunar has faced sedition charges, book seizures, and government-sponsored exhibition disruptions.
Sarawak, clearly recognizing the gravity of the situation, has graciously opened its doors for three days to this maverick of political satire.
So, as Zunar doodles away in Sarawak's limited-time-only artistic haven, let us collectively ponder the profound implications of allowing an artist in for three days.
What an era of enlightenment we find ourselves in!
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