KUALA LUMPUR: Cartoons, a favourite pastime of many Malaysians, are now being used to preserve and promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage and unity.
Rows of caricatures paid homage to various historic Malaysian icons, from past prime ministers to beloved badminton star Datuk Lee Chong Wei to legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah as they lined a newly launched art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.
The exhibition features over 60 new hand drawn cartoons from 50 cartoonists that depict both iconic figures in Malaysia’s history as well as key events in Malaysia’s journey towards and after independence.
Collections of art depicting the unity of the Malaysian community, independence day events and figures of previous Malaysian Prime Ministers were also at the exhibit which provided visitors with a unique visual experience and understanding of Malaysian history and heritage.
From the Merdeka rally cry by Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in 1957 to Tunku’s equally iconic fist-raised car ride to Malacca to announce the country’s independence in 1956, Malaysians will be able to relive the iconic moments in history through the cartoon-style art at the exhibit.
At another section, revived comic strips of antique newspaper clippings from that time period also lined the walls of the exhibit, allowing visitors to read and experience the emotions of the people during Malaysia’s most historic moment.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said that local cartoons had become a key part of promoting and preserving Malaysia's cultural history among the people especially as National Day rolls around.
"These cartoons have become a national heritage through their ability to incite a sense of unifying patriotism within any Malaysian, especially youths, who look at them.
"This is why we are eager to showcase these cartoons in order to promote national patriotism among the public in accordance with National Day celebrations on Aug 31.
"We hope through exhibits like these that we’ll be able to elevate the spirit of national pride towards both the country and our identity as Malaysian people," he said after officiating the launch of the exhibit on Monday (Aug 14).
The National Unity Ministry, in a press statement on Monday, added that the exhibit’s goal was to recognise the important role that the local cartoon industry had played in preserving the country’s cultural and heritage.
"Cartoonists throughout the years have proven themselves able to translate and preserve the country's heritage, unity and culture in a creative and unique way through their work.
"This exhibit will not only expose the public to the importance of this industry but also on the potential of the industry to be brought to the global stage," it said.
Also at the exhibit is a showcase of a collection of cover pages from cartoon and comic magazines that were once popular in Malaysia such as Batu Api, Buletin Lubok, Politik Kedai Kopi and many others.
Those more into animation can also enjoy the exhibit’s local animation room which features artwork and figures from renowned local cartoons like Usop Sontorian, Anak-Anak Sidek, Keluang Man, Awang Kenit and RoboZeta.
Visitors will also be able to take part in various activities at the event including a 'Flea Market', casual chats with local cartoonists, a cartoon and comic drawing workshop and many others throughout the event’s run.
Entrance to the exhibition, named the 'Seiring Sejalan' Cartoon Exhibit, is free for all and will run for two months from Aug 11 to Sept 30 at Fahrenheit88 mall.
