Putrajaya, 20 January 2016 – UTM once again carved a niche in publication history with the successful launch of ‘Corat-Coret UTM’, depicting the life in UTM by featuring cartoon characters. The launch of the book, whose main author is Datuk (Dr) Mohd. Nor Khalid or better known as Datuk Lat, a famous Malaysia cartoonist, was graced by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Idris Jusoh, the Higher Education Minister.
Dato Seri Idris Jusoh expressed the view that other universities would emulate the creativity of UTM in publishing such a book, particularly in disseminating knowledge pertaining to research and theories. He pointed out that the medium in which the information is presented plays an important role in order to attract the interest of the public, and in making sure that the message is readily understood. He believes that UTM’s efforts in promoting life in UTM and UTM’s numerous achievements through the use of cartoons, should be lauded.
In addition to Datuk Lat, who was UTM Resident Writer from 2009 to 2011, three other people also contributed ideas towards the publication of the book. They are Abdul Hilmi Abdullah (Cartoonist Mie), Amir Luqman Astar (Cartoonist Astar Amir), and Mahmud Mohamad Jusan (Mahmud Jusan) who are all UTM Alumni. This book is not an ordinary off the shelf humour book, as the cartoon characters are presented in the form of caricatures full of nostalgia and emotions. The book not only depicts Datuk Lat’s experiences during his stint as UTM Resident Writer, but also included the other authors’ experiences as students in UTM. The events portrayed in the book are typical of those experienced by the UTM community, which brings back fond memories for UTM Alumni.
UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar, who was also present at the book launch, said that this book is special in character, as it encapsulates UTM as a whole. The cartoon brings to life UTM’s history, shares UTM students’ on campus experiences and shows UTM’s transformation in the context of the development of science in Malaysia.
The experiences depicted by the cartoons are further enhanced with personal notes made by cartoonist Ahmad Hilmi Abdullah (Mie), cartoonist Amir Astar Lukman (Astar Amir), and a narration written by Assoc. Prof. Mahmud Mohamad Jusan (Mahmud Jusan), who are all UTM Alumni.
Also present at the book launch ceremony were Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as senior officials of the Ministry of Higher Education and UTM.
The book is published in two versions, namely, paperback and hard cover. The paperback is sold at RM48.00, while the hard cover version is sold at RM78.00. The book will soon be available in all major bookstores, and can be purchased online at www.booksonline.my.