Datuk Lat’s Presence Inspires the Students of SMK Anderson

BY: Zaki Salleh

IPOH – This year’s Malaysia Day celebration at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Anderson National Middle School (SMK) holds special significance with the presence of a distinguished guest, the Royal Artist, Datuk Lat.

The renowned national cartoonist, whose real name is Mohammad Nor Mohammad Khalid, is also an alumnus of the school.

Lat attended SMK Anderson from 1965 to 1969 and even served as an editor for the school magazine during his time there.

His talent for drawing first emerged during his school days when he started creating comics at the age of 12.

Lat was bestowed the title of Royal Artist by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, during the inauguration of the Galeri and Rumah Lat in Batu Gajah last July.

Lat’s arrival was warmly welcomed by the Principal of SMK Anderson, Shamsahhimi Harun, as well as the school community.

Lat’s presence at the Malaysia Day celebration serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for the students to explore their abilities and boost their self-confidence.

During the event, students recreated Lat’s artworks, which were then displayed on a 33-meter-long cloth. This act was a tribute to Lat’s accomplishments as a senior student of the school, and it filled the students with pride.

The school also presented a certificate of appreciation and congratulations to Datuk Lat for his Royal Artist title.