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13th September 2015
5 to 7 pm
KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall,
No 1, Jalan Maharajalela,
50150 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. |
Guests of Honor:
Zunar
A. Samad Said
Nurul Izzah
The Event:
Despite the haze looming over the region, the crowd that came to fill up the hall is a sign of unfazed patriotism. Everyone who had laid claim on the precious comic "Sapuman" amongst others took their seat in anticipation to the launch of the event.
I see a multi-racial crowd that brings the best outcome of the Bersih Rally 4.0. All smiling faces exchanging gestures and opinions are exchanged and if this is what cartoons and caricatures can do; we do need to implore that we do need more cartoonists in the near future.
This is where the words spoken in the form of art is nonetheless transcended into the true essence of nationalism and patriotism. We are all driven by the main notion of "unity" and to be united for a better Malaysia.
A. Samad Said; our beloved poet, novelist and Malaysia's sole Literary Exponent (Pejuang Sastera) officiated the event with beaming admiration and utmost respect.
A mutual respect for a fellow Malaysian who has the guts to produce something so intricate and beautiful. Pak Samad humored that Zunar has taken our tongues on loan as we are impervious to talking about certain major topics; where the strokes and lines help reveal all the issues and hidden agendas that Malaysia had been dragged into.
For someone who has reached his golden age, Pak Samad is indeed a jewel still shining bright. With charm, persona and solemn jokes, he had the crowd in an uproar of peals of laughter and silent approvals at the same time.
Before passing the torch on to Zunar, Pak Samad stated that in the lights of the plight in our country, he hoped that the Bersih Rally 4.0 and this launch can garner a 'CLEAN' upcoming general election. Congratulating a fellow patriot for all the recognitions with envy, Pak Samad took his seat backed up with thundering symphony of applause
Highlight
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| A share of life experiences and patriotism |
Zunar took the floor with vigor when he expressed his gratitude for this honorary event. His 18th cartoon book "Sapuman" is being launched successfully without any police intervention today. Sharing his previous experiences of his cartoon books' (his trademark for his drawings and publishings) launches, Zunar hides nothing at all. He has experienced plenty of raids on his comics, and even the printing companies were shaken to the core. He is insensitive to all that as his ink is was based on his thoughts and concern for the current situation our beloved country is in. His feat and earnest defiance has
earned him the Hellman Hamett Award 2015 (Statement of Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of Asia Division of Human rights Watch). Zunar has thus joined ranks with 800 writers and activists from over 92 countries throughout the world.
Our charismatic cartoonist conceals nothing in his books; from unsolved murders, corruption and all the visible, apparent issues that are keeping our beloved country in its least visible Dark Ages. Nothing seems to put him in shivers anymore as he had experiences with our country's current hilarious judicial ACTS. His cartoon books and himself have experienced Akta Pencetakan, Akta Hasutan and even brought under Kanun Keseksaan. Akta Hasutan or more well known as the Seditious Act in Malaysia carries a maximum penalty of jail time of 43 years if one is found guilty, but this does not stop Zunar from completing his 18th masterpiece. In fact, our cartoonist is too well versed with the lime lights with the uniformed crime-fighter; so any calls from the said department; Zunar will be courteous yet quirky with his reply "......Save the charges for later...Just tell me the time I need to report myself.....". Our brother in arm has been in and out of State Courts countless times and he said there is a common link between his comic and our current judicial system and Acts; COMICAL! Hence to avoid all that in the most heart tickling manner, production takes a unique turn when it comes to the reveal of printing details; simply PRICELESS.
In conclusion, Zunar stressed his concern for Malaysia's well-being and hopes that through his comic he can garner our utmost understanding of unity for the country. He has walked the so called thin lines countless times and in his succession supporting his comic that spells nothing but the truth, we need no less in mustering strength and courage to spread the words. Zuna's "Sapuman" is no joke when it comes to unveiling of all the hideous hidden truths and it is our responsibility as patriots to get the truths across the whole country. In return with hope and faith, the collected supports brings forth our beloved Malaysia from its perils through unquestioned 1 Malaysia (Satu Malaysia) bond of citizenship.
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Official launch and look who's HIDING!!!
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Despite a hectic schedule, Nurul Izzah our Vice President for PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and current Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai showed up as a display of concrete support for the honorary event.
Our beloved Mp joins Zunar and Pak Samad to honor "Sapuman" with their signatures and insignia. There is no lost time for smile and laughters as our honorary guests share their moments with all attendees.
Our panel of honorary guests spare no expense in delivering their penmanship on the cartoon books but also ample and selfless time for pictures and even selfies with all the guests.
Special Moment: Recap on Bersih Rally 4.0 Recap
This is a special moment when renowned photographer and a dear friend of mine Mr. David Wong from Jeddi Images captured a moment to remember for the decade. It is not just any picture; it is a picture of a family leaving together after a memorable and peaceful Bersih Rally 4.0.
As the current top spot holder in Demi Rakyat's photography contest, this is no mere picture of backsides. It is a picture of parents who has contributed their tears and sweat for an entire day for just a simple singular motive; a better future not only their children but also for all the children of Malaysia. Amazing kudos to the children in their young years who sticks to the cause of their parents for this honorable ulterior motive.
Kak Faszt Alin Adan and her sister with their children is graced by David who has printed the picture in canvas copies and presented it to them; only after a series of signature exchange even from the honorary guests.
A warm congrats to applaud to Mr. David not only for the captured moment but also his kind generosity that is second to none.
The event ended on a high note of positivity and patriotism shown each and single soul. We have rallied and embraced the controversial yet factful and highly accepted "Sapuman" by honorary Zunar.
Special thanks to Kak Faszt Alin Adan, Mr. David Wong and
JeddiEventz for hosting the online event with their endless posts and invites.
For those who are unable to turn up, do kindly log in to
http://tinyurl.com/o8yxlxj to order "Sapuman" online.
"Sapuman" is currently sold at RM 26.00 per copy in lieu of our country's generously acquired RM 2.6 billion in *donation*"
Before this weary and now energized photographer pen off, here is a "pantun" that rhymes to close this fruitful event;
Biarpun jerebu membawa sengsara,
Namun jiwa patriotik tak akan bersara,
Biar komik dan kartun dari Abang Zunar berbicara,
"Sapuman" komik untuk insan satu negara,
Bak bahtera membawa hati senusantara,
Berjuang untuk kesejahteraan negara,
Sehati sejiwa, biar sejarah baru tertera,
Lukisan mengukuhkan gandingan dengan semangat membara,
Biarlah kali ini kesinambungan Malaysia tercapai tanpa prejudis bersahaja!
* Ending note with highest congratulations to cartoonist Abang Zunar for being the first cartoonist to be named to receive "2015 International Press Freedom Awards by Committee to Protect Journalists"
