He is widely known to be a funnyman on the stage and on the silver screen.

However, local actor and comedian Afdlin Shauki's appointment as an ambassador for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Gaza is no laughing matter.

Afdlin, who is set to be honoroued with the responsiblity "soon", is touched by the gesture and vows to make full use of the opportunity to help the war victims in Gaza.

He also hopes his role will help reduce the suffering of the Palestinians who have been at war with the Israelis for decades.

"The members of the OIC had expressed their interest in appointing me as their ambassador for Gaza. That was based on my final conversation with them," revealed Afdlin.

"I will help them obtain their basic needs where possible," he added.

Based on his initial discussion with OIC, Afdlin will concentarte on education and medical supplies for the Gaza folks.

This is his second acknowledgment in humanitarian work for the multi-award winning artist. He was earlier appointed as ambassador for Malaysian-based humanitarian organisation Aqsa Syarif.

Afdlin is now in Cairo after joining an emergency relief mission to Gaza organised by Aqsa Syarif. Afdlin and Astro Awani's crew are scheduled to return tomorrow.