TOPIC: Preserving Lat's Works for Future Generations

Background

Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, better known as Lat, is a Malaysian cartoonist who started producing cartoons at a young age. His works have earned him many awards. In 1994, he was awarded the honorific title of “Datuk” by the Sultan of Perak, in recognition of his work in promoting social harmony and understanding. Besides writing and publishing cartoons, Lat also have ventured into the fields of animation, merchandising and theme parks with his creation. Lat’s work gained admiration from local and foreign cartoonists. Foreign governments invited him to their countries in hope of greater exposure for their countries through his works.

Research

Lat’s cartoons is a reflection of his experiences in life. He is very passionate about Malaysian cartoons having their own identity and style; keeping and preserving the touch of the local culture. The aesthetic parts of his work are very interesting. His art style is a blend of caricature and cartoony; approached with bold strokes of ink and pen – the three-loop noses is the trademark of his Malay characters. Not only they were simple, but also well structured, clean and full of life. The same can be said for his writing style. He was greatly influence by ‘The Beano’ and ‘The Dandy’, which is reflected in his early works. He later came up with his own style of illustration. Lat’s honest and witty humor managed to breakthrough communication barriers, both local and foreign. 

His best known work is The Kampung Boy, which was first published in 1979. The graphic novel was a critical success; it was sold out within four months of its release during its first printing (which was about 60,000 copies). The book, with its far reaching appeal, have sold well abroad. It was first narrated in English with smatterings of Malay, but now it has been translated to at least nine other different languages. Lat’s works contains values that could be learned by everyone; having the symbol of multiculturalism that helps to unite people of diverse racial background, culture and traditions. It helps to create and preserve that harmonious socio-cultural relationship. 

For example, Town Boy depicted Lat’s life during his teen years where he stayed in the town of Ipoh. It was during that time that he befriended a Chinese boy named Frankie. 

Despite their different cultural and racial background, they managed to bond with each other because of their shared common interest in music. 

(I wonder what mutton taste like...)

Another of his work that interests me is Kampung Boy: Then and Now. It illustrates the simple life the cartoonist had during his childhood in the kampong in comparison to the life of modern kids today. 

(Which one is the instructor again?)

(Sploosh!)

Nowadays, such works of high caliber is hard to come by. For example, we often come across works that attempted to emulate the kampong setting, but were superficial when it comes to the local content. According to Lat, today’s young cartoonists are mostly into manga. They should make their work more Malaysian. 

Justification of Research

I want to do this research because I want to promote Lat’s works and its values as well as preserving them for future generations.