Zunar's peace award in Switzerland: An insult to PM, democracy - Salleh

The act by Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, better known as Zunar, in promoting his cartoons overseas, is deemed insulting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the democracy system in Malaysia as they contain provocative elements towards the country’s administration.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said, all domestic problems should be resolved internally without involving outsiders.

Speaking to reporters after attending a Strategic Issues Forum/Corporate Malaysia Roundtable at Bankers Club here today, he stressed that what Zunar did was wrong and should not be done.

“I am quite upset with this. Why is this done in another country? Such an act should not have happened.

“If we have differences in Malaysia, we have to manage them in Malaysia, because this is our country. We practise a democracy system here," Salleh said describing the move by the cartoonist in promoting his art works abroad, getting attention in Switzerland.

He said Zunar’s move reflected on the Malaysian community, although Malaysians in general do not practise such an act.

"I really believe they are working in a coalition with a purpose to topple the Prime Minister. This is not fair.

"If they do not agree with the Prime Minister, later when it is time for the general election, they are free to determine which party they want to support, which candidate they want to choose.

"Don’t go to the extent of spoiling the reputation of the country. What is the purpose? Is this an economic sabotage?" Salleh asked.

Political cartoonist Zunar received the 2016 Swiss Foundation Cartooning for Peace Award for his cartoons in Switzerland on May 3.