Sultan Nazrin bestows famous cartoonist Lat with royal artist title

BATU GAJAH, July 8 — The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today has bestowed the title of ‘Seniman Diraja’ (Royal Artist) on the country’s famous cartoonist Lat whose real name is Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid.

Sultan Nazrin said the honour was in recognition of the artist’s significant role and contributions to the country.

His Royal Highness made the announcement in his address during the opening ceremony of the Lat House Gallery here today.

He said treasures on display at Lat House Gallery are hoped to be a source of inspiration for the people, especially among young Malaysians.

Sultan Nazrin said the legacy of such a great artist should be handed down to the younger generation and the gallery would become a treasure trove to all Malaysians.

“May the Lat House Gallery remain a symbol of the great achievement of an artist whom Allah SWT has blessed with extraordinary talent.

Sultan Nazrin said through simple sketches Lat managed to highlight sharp observations about the life of a plural society living in harmony.

He said Lat’s caricatures reveal the truths of living in a society made up of different races, religions, cultures and languages.

“Lat sees these differences as a national asset and treasure of immense value and chooses to emphasise the shared experiences of these multi-ethnic members of society such as the joy of wedding ceremonies, festive celebrations, schooling years or getting caught in traffic crawls, to enjoying food at a restaurant, among others.

“His work carries a clear message that people of diverse backgrounds instinctively live in peace and harmony in a spirit of mutual respect; diverse people do not harbour prejudice towards one another due to their differences in race, religious beliefs, cultural practices, and language proficiency.

“Lat House Gallery displays the history of life, the twists and turns of an artist’s journey, recording the various achievements of a ‘kampung’ (village) boy who became a ‘town boy’, and who now stands proud among internationally renowned artists. — Bernama