Lat’s sentimental journey

A renowned cartoonist, Lat, remembers a vivid memory from August 31, 1957, when his father and his friends drove to Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Malaysia’s independence. At the age of six, Lat’s father, who was a clerk with the Fifth Malay Regiment, brought him and his family to Stadium Merdeka for the momentous event. Although young at the time, Lat didn’t fully comprehend the significance of the moment but understood its importance and the happiness it brought to everyone involved.

Now 72 years old, Lat, known for his ability to capture the essence of Malaysia’s multicultural life, had the opportunity to revisit the army camp where he once lived. In early August, he made the long-awaited trip and shared stories with the army personnel about his time there and the National Day celebrations in 1957. For Lat, it was a sentimental journey as he holds a deep affection for the place.

Lat, who recently received the title of Seniman Diraja (Royal Artist) from Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak, believes his career as a newsman in Kuala Lumpur provided him with a clearer understanding of the significance of National Day and Malaysia Day. He expresses joy in seeing families and children watching the parade in Kuala Lumpur, with kids sitting on their parents’ shoulders.

On the occasion of Malaysia Day, Lat hopes that Malaysians, especially the youth, will celebrate and mark the day in their own ways. As proud Malaysians, he encourages people to go out and enjoy the festivities, expressing love and pride for their country.

Lat, born in 1951 in Kota Bharu, Batu Gajah, Perak, acquired his nickname from the Malay word “bulat,” meaning round, due to his round cheeks. His artistic journey began at the age of 11 when he designed the cover of his school magazine, Suara Pasir Puteh. Throughout his career, Lat created various works, including comic series such as Tiga Sekawan Menangkap Pencuri (Three Friends Catch Thieves) and Keluarga Mamat, which was published for 26 years in Berita Minggu. His caricatures beautifully depicted the realities, both harmonious and challenging, of living in a multiracial society.

Today, Lat’s iconic artworks can be appreciated at the Galeri Rumah Lat (Lat House Gallery) in Batu Gajah. The gallery, inaugurated by Sultan Nazrin Shah, is housed in a traditional Malay Perak Limas house featuring five roofs. It offers multiple exhibition areas, including one dedicated to Lat’s art, a Lat art garden, a souvenir shop, a cafe, and an office.