Cartoon as a Tool for Change

“Promoting freedom of expression through art”.

Art is a powerful tool in communicating messages. Under the training and mentorship of Zunar
Cartoonist, participants from the RTI Virtual Camp are showcasing their artwork at this launch.

If you are between 18 and 25 years old and wish to use art to express your thoughts and opinion about an issue that matters to you, you are welcome to submit your artwork to us at programme_rti@cijmalaysia.net by 31 August 2021.

Online voting will commence on 1 September 2021 and the top three (3) winners will be announced in conjunction with the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on 28 September 2021.

Title: Tak Seimbang

Issue about the imbalance of wealth distribution between West and East Malaysia, where the West is given more attention in terms of development. 

Artwork by Loh Mei Ling, undergraduate student from Universiti Sains Malaysia, majoring in film and broadcasting.

Title: Right to Information

Artwork by Wong Kah Ying, first-year undergraduate student from Universiti Sains Malaysia, majoring in communication.

Title: Vaccine?

Artwork by Tan Jie Yee, undergraduate student from Universiti Sains Malaysia, majoring in broadcasting.

Learn from political cartoonist, Zunar on how to effectively use cartoons as a tool for change.

Art, especially in the form of cartoon, is a powerful medium to promote freedom of expression. Art, to me, is a universal form of communication that makes your message very clear, if you know exactly what you want to convey. An artist who has researched a certain subject well, can use art very effectively to convey their thoughts on the subject.

Youths are the future generation, and we must give them a chance to be themselves and make themselves known. I like to do this by not just teaching them, but by connecting with them. I want youths to have their own opinions and be knowledgeable in whatever field they choose to be involved in. Without knowledge, art simply becomes pen on paper.

ABOUT ZUNAR

Zunar (Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque) is  a political cartoonist from Malaysia. His slogan is “How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand”. Through his cartoon, he showcases controversial issues surrounding the Malaysian government.

For his ingenious ways, he has been recognized and acknowledged as an artist that supports political reforms for the country.

His Philosophy:

  1. How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand
  2. Talent is not a gift, talent is a responsibility
  3. The can ban my books, they can ban my cartoon, but they cannot ban my mind, I will keep drawing until the last drop of my ink
  4. Why Pinch, when you can punch

His Awards:

  1. Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award 2011” by Cartoonists Right
  2. Network International
  3. “Cartooning For Peace Award 2016” Geneva
  4. Human Rights Watch Hellman/Hammett Award for 2011 & 2015
  5. International Press Freedom Award, Committee to Protect Journalist, New York 2015