Political cartoonist Yu Fu dies aged 64

Taipei, Jan. 1 (CNA) Taiwanese political cartoonist and writer Lin Kuei-yu (林奎佑), known by his pseudonym Yu Fu (魚夫), died of lung cancer on Monday at the age of 64, according to a social media post by his family.

Lin passed away peacefully surrounded by family, according to a post on his Facebook fan page, which also expressed gratitude for people's concern.

Lin was the first cartoonist ever to draw a political cartoon of late President Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), doing so after martial law was lifted, and was seen as a pioneer of political commentary.

He also worked as a news editor, hosted radio and television shows, led an animation company and founded an online television channel. Still, he once said he would like the epitaph on his gravestone to read "cartoonist."

Lin began publishing political cartoons in a political commentary magazine in the 1980s, which propelled him into the limelight.

He became known for challenging the restrictions on freedom of speech before martial law was lifted in Taiwan in 1987.

On his Facebook page, Lin once recalled having to sneak around to hand over his cartoons to be featured in Taiwan independence activist Nylon Cheng's (鄭南榕) magazine, for fear of being arrested.

However, in recent years, Lin mainly focused his sketches on Taiwan's food and scenery. He said in a Facebook post that he stopped drawing political cartoons because young people in Taiwan are "awakening" and many have better drawing skills than he.

"My historic role has come to an end. Now my focus is back on artistic creations," he said at the time.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) expressed his grief at hearing about Lin's passing and extended his condolences to Lin's family. He also offered to provide support regarding funeral arrangements.

On Wednesday, Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) also mourned Lin's death, lauding his colorful life as a media professional, political commentator, cartoonist and writer.

Li said that Lin had demonstrated his love for Taiwan's land, folk customs and food throughout his life. The Ministry of Culture will petition for a Presidential commendation for his contributions to Taiwan's culture, he said.