BATU GAJAH: Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has bestowed the title of "Seniman Diraja" or Royal Artist on famous cartoonist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, who he praised for highlighting multiculturalism in his caricatures.
The Perak Ruler said Mohd Nor - fondly known as Lat - caricatures reveal the truth of living in a multiracial society.
"Through his casual sketches, Mohd Nor has managed to capture the harmonic essence of life in a pluralist society. His caricatures reveal the truths of living in a society made up of different races, religions, cultures, and languages," said Sultan Nazrin.
He then said that Mohd Nor sees the differences between people as a a national asset and treasure of immense value, emphasising the shared experiences of a multi-ethnic society.
"He emphasises the shared experiences of these multi-ethnic members of society; from the joy felt in wedding ceremonies to the exuberance of festive celebrations, to being in a school environment, or getting caught in traffic jams, to enjoying food at a restaurant, among others," said Sultan Nazrin.
Sultan Nazrin then said that Mohd Nor's work carried a clear message - people of diverse backgrounds instinctively live in peace and harmony in a spirit of mutual respect.
"Diverse people do not harbour prejudice towards one another due to their differences in race, religious beliefs, cultural practices, and language proficiency," he said in his opening speech at the Lat House Gallery at Jalan Bemban on Saturday (July 8). Also present was Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
Sultan Nazrin said Mohd Nor’s work reflects his personal view and analysis of various issues.
"From the lives of ordinary people such as bus drivers, traffic polices, doctors and nurses, and sports figures to political and national leaders, his humorous caricatures and snappy dialogues lay the profound philosophies and messages with sarcasm, questions, and advice.
"His simple sketches were perfected through his experience, displaying a wisdom and intellectual acuity that invited neither conflict nor hostility.
"Mohd Nor’s work shows that living in a pluralist society with a spirit of mutual respect, diverse people do not harbour prejudice towards one another due to their difference in race, religious beliefs, cultural practices, and language proficiency," said Sultan Nazrin.
He added that Mohd Nor’s sketches have placed him in a class of their own, garnering various international awards and accolades that have brought glory to the nation.
Sultan Nazrin said that the Lat House Gallery does not only show the history of the life of an artist but also records the various achievements of a "village boy" who become a "town boy".
"While standing proud among internationally renowned artists, Mohd Nor remains a humble village boy, embodying the paddy plant - the more it grows, the lower it bends.
"May the wealth displayed in this gallery be a source of inspiration to all citizens, especially Malaysian youth.
"As the legacy of this great artist ought to be handed down to the heirs of our nation, the youth, let this gallery be also, a treasure beyond value to its citizens," he said.
Born in 1951 in Kota Baru, Perak, Mohd Nor’s chubby cheeks led his family to give him the nickname "Bulat" which was later abbreviated to his nickname, Lat. At the age of 11, Mohd Nor designed his school cover magazine, Suara Pasir Puteh.
While attending his primary school, Mohd Nor gained recognition for commercial publication.
Among his early works included the comic Sekawan Menangkap Pencuri in 1964 and Karya Tua Keladi published in the Singaporean magazine called Majalah Filem in 1966.
He also had a comic series called ‘Mamat’s Family’ that was first published in 1968 and continued for 26 years in Berita Minggu.
In 1974, his career took a turn for the better after his comic "Bersunat" was published in Hong Kong.
The publication led him to be appointed as New Straits Time (NST) column cartoonist where he had a special column called 'Scenes of Malaysian Life'.
Before he was a cartoonist, Mohd Nor served as a reporter at Berita Harian in 1970 and later as a crime desk reporter at the NST newspaper in 1973.
