PETALING JAYA, July 21 — The founder and publisher of popular humour magazine Gila-Gila, Jaafar Taib, has expressed his regret, and apologised over the use of AI-generated artwork for the cover art of the latest edition of the publication.

The 71-year-old cartoonist took to Facebook to admit his "significant mistake that should have never happened”.

"I admit, as the aging founder, I am not very knowledgeable about AI technology and its implications on the world of art.

"I realize that the decision to use AI-generated work was a significant mistake that should not have happened. It has deeply hurt the feelings of many talented artists and cartoonists who have long been the backbone of Gila-Gila magazine.

"I want to emphasise that the use of AI-generated works was not intended to diminish the talents and hard work of our artists,” he said in his post.

Jaafar added that good intentions did not always lead to good decisions and that, "this mistake has opened my eyes to how important it is to appreciate and protect the artworks created by the creative hands of our nation.”

"I promise to do everything in my power to correct this mistake.

"From now on, Gila-Gila will return to our original principles, which are to be a platform for showcasing original artworks created by local talents.”

In another posting, he further reflected that the presence of AI art was not just an evolution, but a revolution that challenges everything he believed about art.

"While digital art still maintains the human touch and creativity, AI appears to challenge that throne.

"I admit I am still ignorant about the impact of AI on the art industry. But I am concerned.”

He apologised profusely to to artists and cartoonists who have been loyal to Gila-Gila through the years.

"To all the artists and cartoonists who have been loyal to Gila-Gila all this while, I want to apologise for my negligence and mistakes.

"I promise to strive to continue supporting and appreciating the talents and creative works of Malaysians. Let us together restore the dignity and greatness of the beloved Gila-Gila magazine.

He also expressed his heartfelt thanks to loyal readers of Gila-Gila for their support and constructive criticism.

"Without your support, Gila-Gila would not have been able to endure until today. I promise that this mistake will not happen again.”

The backlash from fans of the magazine over the use of AI was swift.

Facebook user Iqram Akmal, who declared himself a fan of the magazine, chided the use of AI which he considered degrading to the dignity of the publication.

"This "Gila-gila" magazine is a long time popular comic book in Malaysia. However, now the comic starts to embracing AI generated images by featuring the AI techbros/prompters in it.

"Yeah, kinda sad to see our fav comic book has fallen, is it?”

His sentiments were echoed by many in the comments and on various platforms across social media.

Meanwhile, Jaafar's son, Fayyadh Jaafar also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) in defence of his father.

Gila-Gila was first published on April 1 1971 and has remained popular through the decades.