ICONIC CARTOONIST LAT LAUNCHING AUTOBIOGRAPHY TODAY
232 PAGES: Showcases iconic cartoonist’s drawing styles since his school days
EASILY recognisable artworks and witty punchlines are what make cartoonist Lat endearing to Malaysians.
Now, we are able to learn more about Lat, 65, whose name is Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, in a 232page autobiography titled My Life and Cartoons.
The book, which will be launched today, will showcase his drawing styles since his school days until he created his distinctive style.
His work is the embodiment of Malaysia and Malaysians in general, aptly explaining how locals interact with each other, as well as how they react to issues or situations.
He said while being true to oneself was important, it was equally important to treat others with respect.
This is displayed in his humour that represents Malaysians’ subtle and indirect way of conveying messages.
“Whatever we do, we must always remember that it reflects our personality.
“The same goes for drawing. I always ask myself, would I like it if someone draws me or my family members like that (in a derogatory manner)?
“Arwah (late) Rejabhad (a renowned Malaysian cartoonist) always reminded me not to use bad words, what more drawing something that could murder a person’s character and tarnish one’s image.
“If people laugh at my country, I will be the one to defend it. The older you get, the more you respect and set a good example to others.
“When I draw something, I want people to look at it, smile and feel good,” said the Gopeng-born in an interview at the New Straits Times (NST) bureau office here.
The 65-year-old said most of his career life was spent with the New Straits Times, adding that he was grateful to Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail, who was then Berita Harian editor, for recruiting him as a crime reporter.
He said his passion for drawing did not falter although he was a crime reporter at that time.
It was his artwork that was published in Asia Magazine in 1974 that piqued the interest of the then NST editor-in-chief Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee.
He was then made the column cartoonist of the newspaper and had his artwork on Perak weddings published.
Lat said while his artwork was still in high demand, opportunities should also be given to the present generation.
“There will come a time when you start thinking about other things.
“Younger people have their own style and way to interact with people, so we cannot expect them to do it like how we did it.
“They are lucky as they can use computers for their artwork.”
He said popular local cartoons, such as Upin Ipin and BoBoiBoy, had Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, holding his autobiography book titled ‘My Life and Cartoons’. Pic by Yahya Zainuddin promoted Malaysia to the world.
He said he only drew in the oldschool way, using paper and ink.
His autobiography offers an insight into his childhood, his relationship with mentor cartoonist Rejabhad, the styles that he adopted since he was young based on foreign comics and cartoonists references, as well as his part in promoting Malaysia and his journeys to other countries.