Lat First Recipient Of Seniman Diraja Title From Sultan Nazrin

BATU GAJAH, July 8 (Bernama) -- Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini said Lat is the first recipient to receive the title of ‘Seniman Diraja’ (Royal Artist) from the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah.

“I am thankful that the recognition is given to Lat when he is still able to appreciate it, not receive the award posthumously," Annuar said when met at the Rumah Lat Gallery opening ceremony.

The launch of the Rumah Lat Gallery by Sultan Nazrin Shah, also saw the title bestowed on the country’s famous cartoonist Lat whose real name is Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid.

Mohd Annuar, who has been friends with Lat since their school days when they were 11, said the spirit of loyalty to the king and country had been instilled in them by a teacher.

 He said the teacher who played an important role in encouraging Lat and giving him confidence was the late Hew Chai Kee when they were in the Special Malay Class at National Type Primary School (English), Jalan Pasir Puteh, Ipoh.

"We had teachers who taught us the importance of of having the right values. Lat and I owe a lot to Mrs Hew for instilling in us a sense of responsibility, to have love for the country and appreciate the value of patriotism.

 "The teacher always emphasised on discipline and hard work to succeed and this value has stayed with us," he said.

He said Lat's parents themselves were his biggest motivators when they recognised his talent to become a cartoonist one day.

A cartoonist friend, Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque or better known as Zunar, said Lat deserved the Seniman Diraja title because he was in a class of his own compared to other cartoonists, as he highlighted socio-culture and enabled everyone to recognise the Malaysian culture through his work.

 "It is very seldom that you find cartoonists portraying Malaysians and our multi-racial society in a comedic light as other cartoonists, like me, would usually take the Western approach.

“Lat preserves Malaysia’s socio-culture and identity in his drawings, apart from revealing our political scenes. I think that is why he is so far ahead of other cartoonists in this country," he said when met at the event.

 -- BERNAMA