Award, opening of gallery most meaningful moments for Cartoonist Datuk Lat

BATU GAJAH - To be bestowed the Seniman DiRaja (Royal Artist) title and have the Rumah Lat Gallery officiated by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today were among the most meaningful moments for the country's renowned cartoonist, Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, 72, or better known as Lat.

Lat said the award was the highest honour for an aesthete, artist, or cartoonist because their works have been recognised by the palace.

"It's a great privilege for me and I am grateful to Sultan Nazrin Shah. It came as a surprise and I feel deeply honoured,” he told a press conference on the official launch of Rumah Lat Gallery near here today.

Earlier, Sultan Nazrin when officiating the opening of the gallery conferred the Royal Artist award on Lat.

Sultan Nazrin said the award was in recognition of Lat’s significant role and contribution in highlighting Malaysia at the international stage and making the country proud.

Meanwhile Lat shared his excitement in finally getting to open the gallery to house all his artworks since 1962.

He said the location of the house and gallery in the Silverlakes Premium Outlet area in Batu Gajah is very strategic and will become a new attraction for visitors.

"Alhamdulillah, finally my dream to open Rumah Lat Gallery to showcase the work I have done throughout my career since 1961 has come true.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all parties involved in realising Rumah Lat Gallery to ensure that the contributions of comic artists and cartoonists are appreciated," he said.

Lat said the Rumah Lat Gallery promotes the Malaysian culture in general and the life of the Perak Malay village community in particular.

"The replica of the 'Kampung Boy' house built here is indeed based on the original design of my family's house in Kampung Lalang and it carries many hidden meanings.

"The life of the Kampung Boy alone illustrates the need to educate our children and today's young generation on the ways and customs of a pluralistic society to live in peace despite having different religions and beliefs," he said.

He said the Rumah Lat Gallery would be a place for him to continue his work in addition to ensuring that what he had fought for in the past would continue to be preserved.

"What I want to convey is that we have to remember that no matter how far we have achieved or accomplished, we must never forget our roots.

"I am originally from the village so I brought the Kampung Boy character to the international level and now the outside world has become familiar with our customs through the stories featured in the Kampung Boy," he said. - Bernama