'The late Tun Abdul Razak was worried of communists who were armed with firearms. His son is worried of a cartoonist ‘armed' with a pen.'

Cartoonist Zunar arrested, new book seized

Anonymous: Is this the only way the government's knows how to handle the situation? What happened to the so-called ‘Ministry of Truth', which is supposed to counter negative reports (cartoons inclusive) in the media?

You catch one Zunar today, 10 more will rise. You catch one Raja Petra Kamarudin blogger, 100 more will come out. You catch one Namewee rapper, 1,000 more will emerge. You catch one Anwar Ibrahim, a new government will be formed.

Equinox: In developed countries, government leaders know that public figures are fair game for cartoonists and are not bothered by the caricatures. Many, in fact, laugh at themselves as seen through the eyes of cartoonists.

I suppose that kind of mentality here is still very far off in Malaysia. Now that the government is making such a big-to-do about Zunar's work, I will try buy a copy.

Klangboy: It is sad that our English has dropped so low that we cannot differentiate between criticism, satire and sedition.

Anonymous: A classic case of the ‘pen is mightier than the sword'. Why the fear of cartoons, unless they depict the truth? Why the Sedition Act against him when the headmaster who uttered racist remarks is still scot-free?

It is clear that the law is being used selectively. Well, all this publicity makes me want to buy the book. I think this will be a collectors' item.

Kee Thuan Chye: Who is advising our police force (and, by extension, the government)? The more they do this kind of thing, i.e. arrest people who have views alternative to those the government would like us to have, the more it will alienate the people from the government.

This is supposed to be a democracy, for crying out loud. Let a thousand flowers bloom, let a thousand opinions fight for attention in the marketplace. Why stifle any?

And the more people compare this latest arrest to the fact that groups like Perkasa and individuals like Dr Mahathir Mohamad can say things that are blatantly aimed at dividing the people and yet go scot-free, the more they will feel there's no proper rule of law.

It boggles the mind that the people in power don't seem to see that this action can actually hurt them more.

Singa Pura Pura: "Freedom of the press has much more latitude today. I am in favour of more latitude for press freedom." ‘Golden' words from none other than our prime minister, Najib Abdul Razak. Well?

DOC: I think the real reason behind this arrest was that Rosmah Mansor's caricature as portrayed in Zunar's cartoons was not at all to her liking.

Phra Ong Chao: Why, this incident proves Cartoon-o-phobia right. What better publicity than this?

Habib RAK: Police efficiency is at its best! Zunar was taken on a merry-go-round trip to several police stations. First to Brickfields station for his statement recorded, then to Serdang station for further investigation and finally to Sepang station.

So much time and effort are being wasted by so many police personnel over one cartoonist who helps to humour us.

Ferdtan: The best way to support cartoonist Zunar is to buy his book and to spread his message.

Simon Lee: The great Zunar - our nation's hero! In times of crisis, a hero like Zunar comes along to bring a smile, cheer and hope for the people. He is a gifted artist, courageous and forthright in lending his artistic talents for the benefit of our nation. Zunar's cartoon is mightier than Umno's sword. Umno can only intimidate you but they cannot lock up your spirit.

The truth expressed in your cartoons will set our people free. A million thanks to you, Zunar. You are a patriot and a true Malaysian. We love you, and Allah bless you and your family.

Dood: One wonders who lodged the police report and how come the police are so swift to act in cases like this and yet drag their feet when it comes to ‘the other cases'.

It looks like the title of Zunar's latest book is indeed a most apt description of what Umno/BN and its enforcement wing (aka the police) are afraid of.

Malaya Muda: Tomorrow, Najib will be giving a sweet smile for media just like what Dr Mahathir Mohamad did for 22 years. And all Malaysians will fall for that smile.

By ElectionFan : Someone said the late Tun Abdul Razak was worried of communists who were armed with firearms. His son is worried of a cartoonist ‘armed' with a pen.

I am really ashamed of having a PM that can't even take jokes and criticisms and dares to detain a cartoonist under the Sedition Act. Never mind Zunar, this will makes you even more famous - locally and internationally.

Maitreya: By arresting Zunar, you are arresting every single thinking person in Malaysia. So now Malaysia is not only close to being a failed state, it's a penal colony with the world's best caterers.

Johan A: Actually, Zunar's cartoons almost always ‘hit the nail right on the head' - they are spot-on observations on the double standards, the cruelty, the hypocrisy and the evil of the regime in power.

As Zunar's thoughts are put simply in cartoon form, many of our rakyat can understand and see the crystal clear resemblance to the situation in the country - that's why those in power are very scared of him.

ABIL: Zunar is a pride of Malaysia and a treasure to the Malaysian political satire scene. This is the only country in the world that is intimidated by political satire. If any one person is offended, please sue him personally for defamation. Zunar is not a treat to national security.

DOC: Along with the bastardisation of the judiciary, law and order, economy, racial harmony, education, MACC, Election Commission; Umno has now added freedom of expression to the list of liberties that it is denying the rakyat .

Lurker: The deputy prime minister is afraid of headmasters; the PM is afraid of cartoons... Their conscience is killing them. Please resign so that a new government that is bold enough to do the right thing can lead this beloved country and its people.

Mangodurian: Cartoons are now more threatening than guns, murderers, communists, Nazis, fascists, gangsters, drug lords and politicians. So much for the police protecting the small guys. And there's now a musical to celebrate the man who enabled all this. Well done, Malaysia!

Book launch a hit despite author's arrest

Mirror on the Wall: The hopes, aspirations and culture of a nation is reflected by its artists, cartoonists and cultural icons. But when a nation fears them, it is indicative that there is something catastrophically wrong with the system of governance. So, in 10 years we will be a developed nation, bereft of any humour, art or satire. I rather we have culture.

Geronimo: Umno is a joke unto itself. A singer singing a song of anti-racism is considered seditious. A gathering to explain the meaning of our federal constitution is considered seditious. A reporter reporting seditious remarks made by an Umno politician is considered seditious.

To talk about fair treatment to the non-Malays is considered seditious. To hold a debate on Article 153 is considered seditious. And now cartoons are considered seditious.

Umno leaders have certainly taken leave of their senses. They simply have gone cuckoo and are unable to distinguish right from wrong anymore. There is no longer any doubt. Umno must go in the next GE, period.

Anonymous: Zunar's cartoons are a hit because they hit the nail on the head. This is a political move, directed by politicians and the police have again failed to remain apolitical.