Source : www.comicsreporter.com
The cartoon drawn by Mohamad Zohri Sukimi, also known as Zoy, showed the famous Japanese icon running away from an oncoming tsunami. The cartoon was heavily criticized by a number of public figures most notably Umno Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, who tweeted urging the paper to apologize for publishing the cartoon he described as "totally insensitive towards the Japanese."
Berita Harian has issued a public apology through its website, Twitter and Facebook accounts after receiving huge condemnation from several quarters that demanded an apology for the publication of the disgraceful cartoon. (Wong, 2011) An online petition was set-up in the wake of the controversy and had drawn more than 500 signatures in a matter of hours. (uppercaise, 2011) It was reported that Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Azmi also urged the public to sign the online petition to protest against the shameful cartoon.
Nonetheless, I must point out that I was surprised to find out that some readers actually supported the cartoon in the comments section of http://uppercaise.wordpress.com/, using history as an excuse. I shall not quote any comments to avoid any backlash but it is a shame that there were people that were in support of an insensitive cartoon that relates to the recent tsunami that has claimed thousands of lives. It is ignorant of them to bring up the past, whereby Japan once conquered our nation, claiming that the Japanese deserve the sufferings for what they did many years ago. A weak mentality among Malaysians that does not bring any good to anyone. The disturbing footage of the tsunami all over the news was heartbreaking and we should be sympathizing instead of rejoicing.
The publication of the cartoon has brought shame not only to Berita Harian, but also the nation. It also gained international attention when it was featured on CNN's iReport citizen journalism programme. (uppercaise, 2011) The credebility of Berita Harian is being questioned and I sincerely hope that this could prove to be a valuable lesson to all of us.
References:
Uppercaise 2011, 'Uproar Brings BH Apology for Tsunami Cartoon,' Malaysian Media Matters, 13 March, <http://uppercaise.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/uproar-bh-tsunami-cartoon/>Wong, PM 2011, 'Berita Harian Issues Public Apology Over Tsunami Cartoon,' The Star14 March, <http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/14/nation/8262608&sec=nation>
