Rossem draws Malaysia’s Merdeka memories

Veteran cartoonist Rossem, 79, has captured Malaysia's Merdeka memories through his art, particularly the declaration of independence on August 31, 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman, known as the "Bapa Kemerdekaan" or Father of Independence, remains a central figure in his work. Without images of Tunku, Rossem believes that the story of Merdeka would be incomplete.

For Rossem, drawing has become a way to preserve memories that might otherwise fade, especially for younger Malaysians who might only know the country's early history through books, photographs, or screens. He has also drawn scenes from everyday life before and after independence, such as the old ferry service across Sungai Binjai in Selangor.

Born in 1948, Rossem has also drawn from his experiences as a police officer during the communist insurgency in 1969. He sees his drawings as a bridge between generations, helping younger Malaysians understand periods they may not remember firsthand, such as the ferry crossing or the security challenges faced after independence. Over 700 of his works are housed at the Rossem Cartoon Gallery in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, offering a visual journey through Malaysian history and culture.