Controversial cartoonist remanded to assist probe

Police have obtained a one-day remand order against controversial cartoonist Zunar to assist their probe into a cartoon exhibition at Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) here, which is deemed seditious.

The remand order was granted by Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan, Assistant Senior Registrar of the George Town Sessions Court.

Lawyer Ram Karpal Singh, who represented Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee SM Anwarul Haque, told reporters that the investigations were being conducted under Section 4 (1)(c) of the Sedition Act and Section 504 of the Penal Code (Intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace).

Ram Karpal Singh said the prosecution wanted a four-day remand order but he objected saying just a day was enough to conduct the probe,

The cartoonist was detained at the Timur Laut police station here at about 6pm yesterday after being asked to present himself to the police.

On Friday, Penang UMNO Youth lodged a police report against the cartoonist and the exhibition saying the cartoons on display portrayed Prime Minister Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in a negative light.-- Bernama