UMNO president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today launched the 'Cartoon and Comic Exhibition: Wasatiyyah and Struggle' comprising the works of noted local cartoonists in conjunction with the UMNO General Assembly 2016.

Najib who is also the Prime Minister, arrived at the lobby on the third floor of the Putra World Trade Centre at about 11 am, accompanied by Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and religious advisor to the Prime Minister Tan Sri Abdullah Md Zin.

Also present were the chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) Budiman Mohd Zuhdi, director of Institut Wasatiyyah Malaysia Datuk Mohd Yusof Din and the president of the Malaysian Cartoonist Club Mohd Desa Omar (Juragan).

Najib also introduced a book he wrote, titled "Wasatiyyah dan Media Sosial: Mendepani Cabaran dan Fitnah" which among others touched on the challenges he faced in tackling information overload including defamatory remarks about his management.

The book also touched on the importance and effects of social media technology in the people's daily routine and the strategies and methods which must be applied to prevent public dependence on defamatory social media.

Najib spent about 30 minutes visiting the exhibition on the development of comics and cartoons in Malaysia and the political history of the country, including the road towards independence.

Meanwhile, Juragan told the media that the exhibition showcased the history of cartoons and comics in the country with a display of works from the 1930s to the present.

"Most of these works have been destroyed and are not popular. Some have been bought by cartoon and comic collectors. Our purpose is to gather these cartoons and comics for the public to view," he said, adding that there were about 100 works from 20 cartoonists on display. -- Bernama