1914: What better way to end this post than with a cartoon, this one from Hisham Rais’ blog about Zunar’s six stops at various police stations within seven hours yesterday. Go here.
1836: On the line with Zunar. Yes, indeed he is in high spirits, especially when he hears about the tremendous support he has received. “Please say thank you to all my supporters,” he says, truly humbled. He breaks out in that trademark hearty infectious laugh of his when I mention that someone has suggested over Twitter that he should come up with a lock-up cartoon series! “Now, that’s an idea.”
1630: Zunar will know in two weeks if the authorities want to press charges, says his other lawyer Fadiah. For now, it’s celebration time!
1820: Zunar has been released, according to a tweet by his lawyer Latheefa. Malaysia would be a much happier place with more cartoonists around. (We have enough clowns though.)
1745: Zunar is expected to be released on police bail in half an hour, says Fadiah his lawyer. So far, no charges; so he will have to wait and find out after his release. Meanwhile, Zunar has phoned his wife to post bail for him. Speaking on her way to Sepang, the bubbly Fazlina sounds jubilant if a bit apprehensive: “Now, I guess I will have to make sure he doesn’t get too naughty after his release!” she laughs. “Alhamdulillah! Tq, tq, tq 4 d support!” she exclaims, in a separate text message.
Earlier, three police personnel visited Malaysiakini and recorded a statement from editor Steven Gan for 45 minutes. They also snapped photos of the Malaysiakini book store and searched the office for copies of Cartoon-o-phobia but didn’t find anything. (No surprise there!)
16:59: The police have informed Zunar’s lawyer that he is now on his way back to Sepang to have his statement taken.
14:00: Zunar is in very good spirits, and so far he has not been ill-treated.
I spoke to his wife Fazlina on the phone a moment ago – after she brought lunch for Zunar at Sepang police station.
“Zunar is very, very happy that the book was launched. He is very thankful to Nizar for coming all the way from Ipoh.
“He looks happy at Sepang, almost as if he’s happy to be in jail!
“The police were very kind to him in Brickfields and they even brought him roti canai. I said in my speech at the book launch last night, ‘I hope he will be well fed; otherwise he gets cranky and you so don’t want a cranky cartoonist in front of you!’
“He didn’t sleep last night. He wasn’t allowed a blanket even though it was chilly. The police in Sepang were kind enough today when I went there: they allowed me to give him his medication for back-ache and home-made lunch (nasi goreng and keropok), and his handcuffs were removed.
“Yesterday, he was moved six times within seven hours (before finally landing up in Sepang). Latheefa was escorting Zunar from the start. Latheefa, Fadiah and Murni are his lawyers. They said Zunar will be taken to Malaysiakini this afternoon and later this evening taken back to Sepang for his statement. We are hoping that he will be released later today.
Fazlina thanks everyone out there for their support and prayers.
I then contacted Fadiah, his lawyer, and asked her what the charge was. “So far, he is still under remand, and they have not mentioned any charge. They say they are still investigating and they will take his statement this evening.”
Could they be investigating the 66 cartoon books and looking for more hidden cartoons in Malaysiakini?
See ‘Zunar’s arrest no laughing matter‘.
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Thieves got away cartoonist arrested! Good work done by police! Congratulation
What type of a civil service transformation can Malaysians look forward to when there is nothing the No. 2 (i.e. the ‘temporary’ DPM) in the country who also helms one of the most senior Ministries over the 45-day hiatus of the PSD over the anti-1Malaysia indiscipline of the two principals? If the civil service is so hidebound by so much red-tape and bureaucracy, then it is beholden on the political leadership to shake up the civil service if it is to take the first step of a national transformation process so that Malaysia can achieve a high-income developed nation by… Read more »
Najib should first ensure religious tolerance is practised at home in Malaysia before offering advice on religious tolerance to President Obama.
BN via its PDRM machai has given Zunar the much needed publicity.
Now if only MPH and Popular could sell the comics. sure becomes bestseller one.
Keep on drawing and all the best wishes to you.
If they have to investigate 66 cartoons, they might just find one serious evidence such as THIS !
It’s high time Police do real work, woth our money, then maybe rakyat will appreciate them…!
The arrest of Zunar only prove that the book is right about cartoon phobia by the power that be. All you need to scare the fearless BN is producing more comic in this wonderful Bolehland.
Anil, wonder if your blog can allow us to post satirical cartoons? Original works of art at no charges (FOC) to you.
Now we see that cartoons can act like a sword!
Zunar will be world famous for this arrest.
It is silly to arrest cartoonist and those who write satire pieces.
Maybe comedians will be arrested next.
If Zunar is poking fun at Pakatan Rakyat.
I am sure Zunar will be awarded with a Datuk Sri title.
But since Zunar pokes fun at “Bini Puaka” , Zunar is now a felon.
Who says cartoons are only for making one laughs and tickles.
Cartoons drawn with facts, realism and the right expressions can make the guilty shake with fear, cry with morose and gnash on sleepless nights!
Zunar is one hell of a cartoonist making life hellish for these…. Syabas!
Shock and dismay. We at Pakatan Rakyat are shocked and angry at Zunar’s arrest. What has he done to deserve arrest other then to tell in comic form what everyone already knows. the one bloke who ought to be arrested and charged for sedition and the keys to his slammer thrown away is being lauded as a hero. thats the irony of Malaysian ‘justice’.
let go the elephants and get the ants! thats the game of today.
Handcuffs? Does he really need to be in handcuffs? Or is that just standard procedure for all detainees?
Aiyoh Gerakan K, your BN leaders so scared of one cartoonist! Shame on you and your gang of bullies
Stupid BN Govt doesn’t realize that his cartoons will just sell more if free publicity! Whether hard-copy or online soft-copy.
caution. don’t ever commit suicide. we needs you
Hi Anil, the photo isn’t from me but i got it from Alin. Pls correct ur caption. cheers!
That silly Brickfields Head Hunter just gave him more credibility. Not that he need more than what he’s got!
beli secara online ->> http://bit.ly/a2fCmJ ~TQ~
Pls tag me once the lockup cartoon series is launched .. Sure will be greatest hit
Pencuri, perompak dan pembunuh berpeleseran di jalan,
Tapi PDRM tangkap pelukis kartun yang beranak….
On a brighter note, his cause must be one worth fighting. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be arrested. Hang in there, Zunar. You’re in our thoughts and prayer.