NZ cartoonist says Muslims need a sense of humour

A renowned New Zealand cartoonist has stepped into the controversy surrounding the publishing of Muslim caricatures in newspapers around the globe.

Tom Scott, who in 1969 faced a blasphemy prosecution for an anti-Christian cartoon, said the Islamic community needed to get a sense of humour.

"(They) clearly have god on their side so they don't need cartoonists as well," he added.

Mr Scott said he was sorry his original blasphemy charge had not gone to court as his defence team "was going to subpoena god".

A number of European newspapers recently re-published the Muslim caricatures, first published by a Danish newspaper in September, triggering outrage and protests in some Muslim countries.

Two Fairfax papers - The Dominion Post in Wellington and The Press in Christchurch -- yesterday followed suit, despite the outrage they have caused in the Muslim world.

A New Zealand Muslim leader yesterday called on The Dominion Post to apologise for its irresponsible and hurtful act in publishing "disrespectful" cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.

Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand president Javed Khan said he was deeply saddened and that The Dominion Post should have known better.

"In the name of freedom of expression the media has taken this matter to the extreme," he said.

"Freedom of expression does not mean 'absolute' freedom, going as far as mocking other religions and their beliefs. Certainly, it would not mean to inflict emotional pain to anyone."

Mr Khan said he hoped The Dominion Post editor Tim Pankhurst, also chair of the Commonwealth Press Union, would "realise the serious implications and damage the paper has caused by such an irresponsible, insensitive and hurtful act against the Muslims."

He said good sense should prevail.

"The mature and honourable thing to do now is for The Dominion Post to apologise and retract such printing.

"The Federation would also like to call upon the Muslims in New Zealand to show restrain in the face of such flagrant provocation and seek God's grace for patience and forbearance," Mr Khan said.

The New Zealand Muslim community had shown its commitment to work towards a "cohesive, vibrant and progressive New Zealand," he said.

"New Zealanders of all race and religion should rally together to build bridges across different ethnicities and help keep our country safe and secure for ourselves, our families and friends."

Mr Pankhurst said yesterday his paper's portrayal of the controversial cartoons was an issue of solidarity and supporting press freedom, and he was not setting out to deliberately antagonise the Muslim communities of New Zealand.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter today said both newspapers had ignored their social responsibility and undermined New Zealand's reputation as a tolerant country.

He said that although press freedom was important, it was also important to respect other people's beliefs.

The Maori Party said it was disgusted at the decision of some media outlets to print the cartoons.

"Publication of these cartoons will not only incense the feelings of the Muslim community but it is also an outrageous attack on any efforts to create unity throughout Aotearoa," co-leader Tariana Turia said.

Co-leader Pita Sharples said standards of decency must be established to prevent this kind of cultural offence.

"It's one thing to promote freedom of the press and freedom of expression, but quite another to use those rights to justify the decision to insult religions and beliefs," Dr Sharples said.

- NZPA