Political cartoonist Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque aka Zunar, who was on his way to Singapore for a conference, was stopped at the immigration counter in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Monday (17th October) under Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s orders.
Zunar also took to Twitter to share a snapshot of him being stopped at the immigration counter. In his caption, he wrote, “I was stopped at KLIA from leaving Malaysia few minutes ago. under police instruction”.
I was stopped at KLIA from leaving Malaysia few minutes ago. uner police instruction pic.twitter.com/nBbwlDuvJS
— Zunar Cartoonist (@zunarkartunis) October 17, 2016
According to The Star, the 54-year-old artist mentioned that the travel ban could have something to do with his sedition charges for insulting the judiciary of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial.
“But I have not been convicted yet and they have no right to stop people from leaving the country,” Zunar said, adding that he will consult his lawyer to remove the ban. His case is expected to start on 22nd November, with a potential penalty of up to 43 years in prison.
Born in Gurun, Kedah, Zunar’s cartoons is best known for its sharp satirical humour and controversial content. Some of his works include “Papa”, a daily-news comic strip, “Ofis Corner”, “Liza”, and “Even My Pen Has A Stand”.
In 1998, he was involved in the “Reformasi” movement following the sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the then-deputy prime minister.
For more information, visit Zunar’s website.
Sources: The Star, NST, Malaysiakini.
