YOUTH should be aware that their rights and freedom of expression are protected by the constitution even during restrictions enforced by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19, said cartoonist Zunar.

This message is shared in a cartoon exhibition and online forum held from September 6 until September 23, said Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque.

The exhibition, The impact of Covid towards freedom of speech, which focuses on youth, also contains elements of free speech.

“The freedom of expression topic is very strange for Malay youth. They always associate freedom of expression with opposing the government and vice versa.

“The right to express is our freedom and we need to educate youth on the importance of freedom of expression.

“That is why the message is carried out in a simple, youth-friendly form, made in a cartoon medium, which speaks comfortably to everyone,” Zunar told The Malaysian Insight.

The cartoonist, who is mostly known for his political satires, said the art exhibitiondoesn’t touch on political parties or leaders.

It represents the artist’s perspective or opinion regarding rights and freedom, especially when the country is facing the Covid-19 crisis, he said.

“This right has been affected badly during Covid-19 because the government always uses this as an excuse (to restrict freedom) and the people blindly accept it.

“But this is what we want to insist on. Even during Covid-19 or any other crisis, your rights must remain safeguarded.

“That’s why we decided to organise this forum. Freedom of speech is the highest form of rights for citizens and non-citizens.”

Malaysia’s 1st virtual cartoon exhibition 

Commenting further on the virtual art exhibition, Zunar said it was initially planned as a physical exhibition but changes had to be made because of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

“We initially planned to organise the exhibition physically but due to Covid-19, we were concerned that not many people would turn up. So, we decided on the virtual concept,” he said, adding that it is the first of its kind.

The virtual exhibition is engineered to give the same experience to those visiting physical exhibitions.

“For those who want to attend this exhibition, they only need to surf the website Craftora.com, and from there they will be guided into the gallery.”

Zunar also said cartoonists have to stop relying on the old ways and must adjust themselves given the pandemic has affected their income significantly.

“Generally, cartoonists have to adapt to the current times as the old ways will not be able to help anymore. They have to change.

“For example, in the era of new normal, you have to adjust to the new ways of living, such as through the internet, animation or videos.

“Nowadays, many cartoonists who draw caricatures on the roadside in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, cannot generate income, as there are no tourists. So, it is time to change.”

Although the virtual exhibition is not an easy thing to accomplish, Zunar said it was an opportunity for him to challenge himself to start something unprecedented.

“We want to start the trend. Maybe next year, other galleries will also resort to this method (online) as many people are still not willing to visit due to Covid-19.

“We have a long-term plan to allow galleries to remain open. This means that there will be other exhibitions or programmes in the same virtual gallery.”

Participants will be able to enjoy 116 artworks from 29 cartoonists and artists as well as forums and caricatures which are drawn live by cartoonists without any cost, said Zunar. – September 16, 2020.