George Town Literary Festival

Bernice Chauly talked about the upcoming of George Town Literary Festival which will run starting tomorro until this Sunday in Malay Mail Online. They invite Man Asian Prize winner, Tan Twan Eng and Norwegian novelist Hanne Ørstavik, winner of the Dobloug Prize in 2002 and the Brage Prize (2004). Ørstavik, according to the report wrote 14 novels including Like Sant Som Jeg Er Virkelig (The Blue Room) which had been translated into 18 languages.

BH also published the George Town Literary Festival's story on Tuesday.

National literature as a major subject

Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak said that national literature should be included to Malaysian education systems as a major subject, not just a component in Malay Language. Currently Malaysian student must study literature as part as language learning. For that, Razak also asked for increasing in children literature based on cultures and local values.

His text was read by Education Ministeri, Mahdzir Khalid at Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (MPLP) ceremony in Seri Kembangan, last night.

The assertion which made by Prime Minister must be follow with a passionate effort by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). And the selection of works must be doing with transparent and honest  - so that only a great and right reading materials will be used.

National Book Award 2015

There is also National Book Award 2015 which held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur this morning in conjunction with Malaysian Book Expo. The organizer is National Book Development Foundation for both event.

Basically, National Book Award was given to Malaysian industry book from author to editor and publisher for their contributions. But their list of prizes is in a little messed-up because its range from individual to publishers and we never knew what the criteria had been used in the winners selection.

Read: Anugerah Buku Negara 2015 iktiraf 41 pemain industri

Kelantan Literary Award

We've been waiting for a very long time for this awards. And by we, its mean all Kelantan-born writers. This morning, Anugerah Sastera Negeri Kelantan (ASNK) or Kelantan Literary Award was given to its reciepents who appraised by a group of authoritative judges.

Fatimah Busu who is known as novelist, short story writers and academic, won Kelantan Literary Award's grand prize, while the poet, Wadi Leta AS was given a Hadiah Cekal Sastera Negeri Kelantan.

Below is the result of Kelantan's best books of 2013-2014:

Poetry: Tidakkah Kita Berada di Sana? (Have Not We're There?*) by Rosli K Matari
Short story: Naratif Jurnalis (The Narative of Journalist*) by Nassury Ibrahim
Novel: Jogho Yang Tewas (The Defeated Champion*) by Rohani Deraman
Essay/critique: Pemikiran Dharmawijaya  - Menterjemahkan Sosialisasi Masyarakat Desa dan Kota (The Thought of Dharmawijaya - Translating of Socialization Rural and Town Society*) Naapie Mat

Beside the book, ASNK also recognized a single work published in newspaper or magazine such short story and poetry.

Short story
1. Janji Juita by Abdul Hadi Yusoff -
2. Pemburu Malam Delionic by Adnie Bahiah
3. Charole by Eh Deng Eh Chik
4. Pada Suatu Nama by Nazmi Yaakub
5. Hujan Keruh di Jogja by SM Zakir

Poem
1. Kau Turun Seperti Biasa by Rudi Mahmood
2. Sajak Besi Kepada Kayu by Wadi Leta SA
3. Pinjamkan Aku, Rindu by Rahimidin Zahari
4. Tanah Bergaris Matahari by SM Zakir
5. Benih Tumbuh by Epan Pro Poul

Drama
1. Biring Si Kunani by Rahimidin Zahari
2. Pocong by Norhisham Mustaffa

Essay/critique
1. Haiku Melayu: Seiras Tidak Serupa by Darma Mohammad
2. Realisme Baru Zainal Rashid by SM Zakir

Hadiah Sastera Penulis Harapan
The winner: Rohani Deraman

Hadiah Penghargaan Penggerak Sastera
The winner: Abham TR

Malaysian Premier Literary Prize

Malaysian Premier Literary Prize ceremony will be held at The Palace of the Golden Horses hotel, Seri Kembangan, tonight. The prizes will be given by Malaysian Prime Minister.

The results - as we already knew when the announcement was made last week - show us the 2014 Malaysian literary best works for various genres as far as the judges are concerned. But how its go after this recognition, depends to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and their publishers to capitalize it.

The books are not to meant only to stay on bookshelves in the bookstores. Certainly not for the books which won such a pretsigous prize. For that we hope DBP and their counterpart will organize more event not just to promote the books, but also to critique and discuss it.

The winner of main category in Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (RM10,000)

Novel: Nenek (Grandmother*) by Razali Endun
Short story (compilation): Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) by Malim Ghozali Pk
Poetry (anthology): Jaulah ke Syurga (The Journey to Heaven*) by Muzaf Ahmad
Literary study: Oksidentalisme dalam Sastera Melayu Sebelum Merdeka hingga Era Mahathir Mohamad (Occidentalism in Malay Literature Before Merdeka Until Era of Mahathir Mohamad*) by Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad
Biography: Biografi Ishak Shaari Pejuang Bumi Semua Manusia (The Biography of Ishak Shaari: Naturalist Fighter for Humankind*) by Dr Mohamed Salleh Lamry

The winner of children literature (RM5,000)

Novel: ... Rahsia Dhia! (Secret of Dhia*) by Zainun Mustapha
Poetry (anthology): Sakura (Sakura*) by Mahaya Mohd Yassin
Picture book: Di Mana Sebelah Lagi? (Where's the Other Half?*) by Razisatul Asyifah

The winner of youth literature (RM5,000)

Novel: Gerbang Raudhah (The Arch of Raudhah*) by Rohaidah Yon
Short story (compilation): Tetamu Istimewa (A Special Guest*) by Mohd Helmi Ahmad
Poetry (anthology): Mimpi Kotaku (The Dream of My City*) by Hilmi Rindu

If you were a new PM, what would you do?

If you were elected as a new Prime Minister, what would you do first? For Kevin Rudd who took over Australian Prime Minister office after 2007 election, he initiated the Prime Minister's Literary Awards - among other moves such as signing the Kyoto Protocol and delivering an apology to Australian Aboriginal for the act of Australian government who removed their children from them between 1905 to 1970.

Also read joint press statement by the current Prime Minister, Malcom Turnbull with Minister of the Arts, Mitch Fifield recognised the awards as an exceptional literary achievement by Australian writers. And it is heartwarming to read such appeal that had been made by Australian leaders:

"I encourage all book‐loving Australians to celebrate the exceptional talent of Australia's literary sector by reading a book or two from the 2015 Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlists."

The award's shortlists were announced yesterday and The Sydney Morning Herald had its full lists in Shortlists announced for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. The awards have six catogeries: fiction, poetry, Australian history, non-fiction, young adult fiction and children's fiction. Almost same as Malaysian Premier Literary Prize except national historical writing.

The prize worth $80,000 (RM246,000) for the winner, while all the shortlisted authors will get $5,000 (RM15,000). Maybe it should be implement in our literary prize - which in current practice, the winner takes it all.

Malaysian science fiction and fantasy

In US, science fiction and fantasy genres has been viewed as belittler writing by literary status-quo. The Wired has a good article about the changing that has been happen when Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy released this year. The release was considered as a major step toward respectability.

Malaysian science fiction and fantasy genres in other hands, has more good thing to say. As far as I'm remember, Rahmat Haroun who wrote Di. Ar. Ti. and Manuklon was regarded among the pioner of Malaysian science fiction, while Ahmad Patria Abdullah as a 'pathfinder' in Malaysian fantasy world. Abdullah wrote such good fantasy novels like Kembar Artakus (Artakus Twins*); Pedang Aurora (Aurora Sword*) and Kota Arialun (The City of Arialun*).

But Malaysian science fiction and fantasy writing had never been disparaged within the literary world. All of those novels were published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) who has an autonomous power granted by the goverment to publish literary writings in Malaysia.

Still, there is a lot of effort needed to uphold these two genres for us to see its grow more. And if the American science fiction and fantasy circle were exhilarated by the releasing of Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, I think Malaysian counterparts would have same thrill.

I think editor of Dewan Sastera, Fadli Al-Akiti who a science fiction writer himself has something to say.

* not yet translated

English as official language in Sarawak

The announcement of Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia or Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (HSPM) was clouded by the news of Sarawak adopted English as the official language of the state administration, apart from Malay language. The astound statement was made by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the state civil service gathering yesterday and emphasized that it was a practical and logical step.

While his advice for the state's civil servants to be fluently in English was widely acceptable, the urgency of using English as a second official language is not. But bear in mind that Sarawak has a privilege which called Perkara 20 and one of them is the using of English as official language related to the state and federal purposes without a limit of time. And in the same time Malaysian Constitution states states Malay language as a national language and must used it for on official purposes regarding to the government, federal or state and any other purpose concern with a public authority.

Because of that Malaysian government, politic leaders and all of us should manage and discuss this issue delicately, balancing with the state jurisdiction and sovereignty of Constitution.

Read also:-
Minta Sarawak kaji semula, jangan atasi kepentingan negara
PEKASA minta Adnan Satem, DBP berbincang
Tindakan Sarawak beri kesan perpaduan, jati diri

'Grandma' grabs Malaysian literary prize

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) announced the winners of Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia or Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (HSPM) at their headquaters in Kuala Lumpur today. This is the most pretigious of book and literary works prize in Malaysia with three categories.

The best novel is Nenek (Grandmother*) by Razali Endun, while for the compilation of short story, the judges choose Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) by Malim Ghozali Pk. Malim Ghozali who I mentioned before grabed an atention when his novel, Tree of Sorrow was nominated for long list of Dublin International Literary Award 2016.

The winners whose also listed are Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad for his literary review, Oksidentalisme dalam Sastera Melayu sebelum Merdeka hingga Era Mahathir Mohamad; Ahmad Muzaffar Baharudin (poetry anthology, Jaulah Sampai Syurga) and Mohamed Salleh Lamry (biography, Biografi Ishak Shaari: Pejuang Bumi Semua Manusia).

And HSPM also consisted by literary works in various genres such as short story, poem, drama and children/teenager literature.

Read: Nenek ungguli Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2014

The needless debate on language

One of Malaysian opposition's parliament member made a fuss about the use of national language at Parliament, yesterday. The needless 'debate' about it can be watched at Youtube. After over than five decades of independent, apparently there some of our parliament members still don't get the meaning of Malay language as an official language.

The fuse were about so called inconsistencies between Article 152 on national language and Article 161 on permission to the members from Sabah and Sarawak natives for using English language.

Dewan Rakyat's speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia as reported in NST today, reminded that the use of national language at Parliament must be respected and all of the members were bound by the Standing Orders which states bahasa Melayu as the house's offical language.

So Pandikar made a clear about that claim. And for that opposition's parliament member, may be he should remember there is a English phrase that said, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

Also read: DAP MP's insistence on using English in Parliament draws flak

Reading book review of Thailand's SEA Write Awardee

Bangkok Post published a piece 'Myth, love and blind earthworms' - a book review of Veeraporn Nitiprapha's award-winning novel. Veeraporn had been announced as The SEA Write Award winner last October with her debut novel, A Blind Earthworm In a Labyrinth (the original title, Saiduan Tabod Nai Khaowongkot).

Reading the review, it seems to me the novel is more to popular romance novel than a literary one. It has all ingradient for a light genre reading. But in the other hand, the reviewer remind us to a background of writing process which had a connection with 2010 the Ratchaprasong crackdown of post-Red Shirt protesting.

On one level, the book is pure soap opera, gripping and entertaining. Reading the book twice or more, however, it seems it has been written for the sole purpose of mocking itself...
... The novel was written exactly according to the structure we see in every soap opera after the evening news. Whether it's social or political, some of us tend to have a set of beliefs and myths trusted.

But in other hand, the review showes us how Thailand's SEA Write Award committe constructed a good of commercialized mechanism to promote the award. 

Meski Jauh Dibatasi Bumi: A sort of trilogy for Malaysian literature history

Kata Pengarang, Kata Pembaca (K-PaP) is a book discussion monthly event organized by Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA). It provides a platform for an author (pengarang) and a reader (pembaca) to share their writing process and reading experience respectively.

For the last Saturday event, two books had been chosen by the organizer; a short story compilation and a novel. The first title was Pascasejarah (Posthistory*) by Fahd Razy which won Writing Competition organized by Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM), PENA and Berita Harian (BH) for category of short story compilation, a couple of years ago.

While the second title was Meski Jauh Dibatasi Bumi (Although Confined in the Earth*), a novel by Sutung Umar RS and had been discusssed by Malaysian veteran dramatist and political poet, Dinsman. The novel was written based on author personal experience in his early life in Kuala Lumpur and constructed in a way similar to soliloquy in a drama. Meski Jauh Dibatasi Bumi could be said a part of trilogy consist of Api Cinta (The Fire of Love*) and Dia dan Nya (He and His*).

As a reader, Dinsman gave a sort of consciousness not only to other readers for remind them that Meski Jauh Dibatasi Bumi is still a novel; it blended facts and fictions in a way the dividing line between them had been blurred. This happened several times before especially in Api Cinta when it has a striking similarity of Malaysian literary life in 80's and 90's and for its obscene scenes.

But the 'trilogy' in a way is an account of literary life in Kuala Lumpur which had been written by a prominent figure in Malaysian literature. Sutung Umar RS was Dewan Sastera's Editor and had a working experience under the great Usman Awang before the former left Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to take a position as Literature Editor for BH. For those roles and his involvement in Malaysian literary life bore significant influence to many Malaysian writers from National Laureate to a younger generations.

For this alone, Meski Jauh Dibatasi Bumi must be taken as important novel to read.

Malaysian writers condemning the Paris Attacks

Malaysian writers are and will always condemning the act of killing civilians wherever they were. Either in Paris, Palestine or Syria - its all about the act of terror whatever the labels or ideals were using. And Malaysian novelists, poets, creative writers, academics and essayist must and will not tolerate such act. From time to time, we always express our feeling - sympathy, anger, wisdom and all - that nobody can use whatever excuse to kill another human being.

Fethullah Gulen said in his interview in An Islamic Perspective: Terror and Suicide Attacks:

These all were just words. The Qur'an talks about such "labels." They are things of no value. ut people just kept on killing. Everyone was killing in the name of an ideal.
In the name of these bloody "ideals" many were killed. This was nothing less than terror. Everybody, not only Muslims, was making the same mistake.

I'm confident my fellow writers agree with this.

Among the hashtag using in twitter right now #ParisAttacks or #PorteOuverte.

Lesson from Oceans Literature Award

Maybe Malaysia's literary prize can learn something from The Oceanos Literature Award which is awarded to works in Portuguese. The award, which is based in Brazil, has three stages. In the first stage for this year, 592 literary works were selected, as announced on its website, Itau Cultural. And now the judges had just finished deliberating in the second stage of the judging process, in 14 finalists have been shortlisted.

For the final stage, eight authoritative judges will decide the eventual winners of The Oceanos Literature Award. The first prize winner will receive 100,000 reais, which is equivalent to RM116,000, while the second winner - 60,000 reais (RM69,000). The third prize winner will be awarded 40,000 reais (RM46,000) and the fourth prize is 30,000 reais (RM34,000).

It is not only the selection of works that have been conducted in a transparent manner; a voting system has also been adopted to choose the judges when 60 scholars and writers voted among themselves who will be the judges for a particular year.

The Oceanos Literature Award started in 2003, introduced by a major telecommunication company from Portugal. In a way, this reminds us to a literary competition in Malaysia that was once organized and sponsored by PETRONAS. The competition was warmly and passionately received by our literary circle. Unfortunately the competition was a one-off occasion, and has yet to be replicated.

Television series: A better adaptation for novel?

At popMATTERS, M King Adkins wrote a good piece, 'Is Literary Adaptation Better on Film or on Television?' Game of Thrones, Under the Dome (inspired by a Stephen King novel), Backstrom (based on W.G. Persson, Wayward Pines (a trilogy by Blake Crouch) and The Last Ship (William Brinkley) - all of them had been noticed by Adkins as a new way adaptation literary works to television series.

For Adkins, television series has a strength that only just begun to discover, "... lies in its open-endedness. It goes on for longer stretches of time, it burst the bounds of easy resolution, it feels more like real life."

In Malaysia, the producers are more incline towards popular romance novel for television adaptation but from time to time there are literary works that had been produced to a drama. A Trilogy of Lepaskan Aku Kembali Ke Laut by Shaari Isa (translated to Release Me Back to the Sea vol. I, II and III) is one of them. Before it, we had an opportunity to watch 'visual interpretation' of such literary novel like Saudagar Besar dari Kuala Lumpur by National Laureate Keris Mas (had been translated to English by a title The Big Businessman from Kuala Lumpur and in France, Le Grand Commercant de Kuala Lumpur) and Senja Kala (translated to Twilight Time).

But of course we except more literary works to be choose for movie or television adaptation 

'Luka Nering' and 'Kod Michelangelo listed in Dublin International Literary Award 2016

It is still a very long way to see Malay's literary novel win a international award such as Dublin International Literary Award. But today, we got exciting news when a novel by Malim Ghozali Pk, Time of Sorrow which translated by the author himself from Luka Nering and  The Michelangelo Code by Nazehran Jose Ahmad was listed for that prize.

Time of Sorrow and The Michelangelo Code were mentioned among the 160-title in announcement of the 2016 long list for the prize formerly known by the name of IMPAC Dublin. Among others are The Zone of Interest by Martis Amis; Adultery (Paulo Coelho); Colorless Tsukaru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage (Haruki Murakami); How to be Both (Ali Smith); The Temporary Gentleman (Sebastian Barry) and The Snow Queen (Michael Cunningham).

This award based on nomination from libraries from all over the world and it also allow translation works to be nominated.

Read the announcement on their website, International Dublin Literary Award and also on The Irish Times.

Also in our website, BH with short comment from Malim Ghozali Pk himself.

Why literary works must be made compulsory for all students?

1.

Forbes ran a good piece by Chad Orzel - the author of Eureka: Discovering Your Inner Scientist - under the title Why Scientists Should Study Art And Literature.

The very same arguments had been given by our literary circle including National Laureates, writers, educational academicians, activists and other to convince the government especially Education Ministry to scrap the existing practice in dividing science students and literature students.

In present practice, brilliant and good students in their exam results have been directed to science stream, while the ordinary one including weak student had to take others such as arts and literature. What our literary circle want is to make literature subjects as a compulsory for all students.

Orzel gave three reasons why students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields to take humanities classes including literature, arts, history and philosophy in college and explained the benefits for a future scientist can get from those humanity subjects.

The main reason is empathy - just like what Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi wrote when he criticised his former Prime Minister when his leader shared his favourite book was Guinness Book of World Records - because literary works give a various views of how other peoples perceive the world.

Whether that’s the author, or the director, or the actors, or the characters they’re playing, literature will introduce you to people whose experience of the world has been vastly different than yours.

And that’s critically important because the vast majority of people in the world are not you. In fact, modulo the occasional alternate world scenario, you’re a minority of one.

This is critically important because as much as we might like to, science can’t be walled off from other concerns– science is done by people, and we all bring our own history and experiences to the process of doing science. You’ll need to work with, for, and sometimes around these people, and understanding how they look at the world can be enormously helpful to this process. 

Literature can help with this. Not because any of the books you read will provide a perfect analogue for any of the people you meet, but because it’s good practice. If you read a wide range of literature, and study it carefully, you’ll gain experience in seeing how the world looks to other people.

If the reasons gave by our literary experts and educational academicians was taken for granted by a minister or his deputy or their bureaucrats before, may be a glimpse by a physics professor like Orzel and others can found a way to their minds.

2.

Just got a tweet from Muhammad Fakhruddin, a fellow blogger at Oh!Buku that he presented a paper at Asian Bioethics Conference in Philippine. He shared his insight based on Malay's science fiction novel, Transgenik Sifar (Zero Transgenic*) by Sri Rahayu Mohd Yusop; Leksikon Ledang (Ledang Lexicon*) by Nor Azida Ishak and Fadli Al-Akiti and Klon (Clone*) by Zaifuzaman Ahmad. Hope he can share his paper when come back to Malaysia.

And his paper maybe can give a glimpse of hope to see all students read a good Malaysian literary work.

Ridzuan Harun, the quiet poet

A couple years before Azizi Haji Abdullah passed away, we had a late night chit-chat at Bucu - a Mamak (Indian Muslim) restaurant near Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP)  - when that prolific writer came to KL. A few fellow writers joined us such as Ridzuan Harun, Lutfi Ishak and SM Zakir.

The most short-spoken person in our late night chit-chat was Ridzuan Harun. Ridzuan was so self-contained that Azizi had to jest with him, "Hang dok diam saja. Hang pi baliklah!" (You are so quiet. You go home!). Of course that sounded harsh, not to mention Azizi came that night with Ridzuan. But it was friendly enough for northern people to joke like that. And that joke will be repeating when Ridzuan choose to hold his tongue among us.

Nevertheless, Ridzuan Harun indeed is a quiet poet. His words came to the light in his poetry more than in shape of his voice. Yet when we talk about a poet who have much experience with others prominent authors who had passed away such as Azizi, T Alias Taib and Rahimidin Zahari; Ridzuan is among the best 'literary historian' in our country. Still we have to wait the best of him to come out in term of literary memoirs especially about those our best authors. He is currently a lecture at Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan or National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA).

Until then, enjoy his poetry such as two poems that taken from Negeri Kunang-kunang or Country of Firefly* which won the first Writing Contest of Novel, Poetry and Short Story Compilation organized by Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM), Persatuan Penulis Nasional Malaysia (PENA) and Berita Harian (BH).


Pengkalan Kubor**
oleh Ridzuan Harun
translated by Nazmi Yaakub

Stand at your land in a slight sprinkle noon
facing the immigration counter
seing tourists flocking
to the row of duty-free shops
then came out smiling
with a handful of bargain buy.

I asked myself at the wall
at your other side, how are you
Takbai and Golok
is rainbow glaring the rays
or is there red spatter still staining
at the sky that had raged the dispute.


Country of Firefly
by Ridzuan Harun
translated by Nazmi Yaakub

Son, I brought you
to the country of firefly
during the day

only a murky river
sluggish flow
you bemoaned
there are no fireflies
even in it's country

I brought you here in a daylight
not to see the fireflies
but to watch
a friendship of flora and fauna

Look at berembang*** trees
grew side by side along the sluggish river
because of its, at the night
fireflies rise
with thousands of blinking lights
without berembang, there's no firefly

Now in here, look
how nature will guide you
about solitude and silentness
unification and solidarity
sharing and consideration
respect and trust
love and humanity

Nature will educate you
and make you understand
the meaningful of preserveration
subsistence and servitude

Tonight, taking you I will
for you to enjoy
thousands of natural's blinking neon
in country of firefly.


* Not yet translate
** A small town on Malaysia-Thailand border and separated by Golok river that easy enough to cross it
*** Sonneratia alba, a kind of mangrove tree

Are there too many of book fair in Malaysia?

Are there too many of book fair in our country? We got Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair in April/May; Book Fest by bookstore chains, Popular in July and another one from MPH called Bookervile or Putrajaya International Book Fair early in March and another event at the heart of Malaysian goverment the centre of Malaysia's administration, Putrajaya Islamic International Book Fair in this month and last but not least the howling of Big Bad Wolf in next month (and possibly it howls again sometimes in March). Oh not to forget Kota Buku Bazar every month.

And at the end of this month, there is Ekspo Buku Malaysia or Malaysia Book Expo in Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. Plus it also will hold National Book Award - that supposably recognizes the best title in various genre which in previous year sparkled controversy and polemic as many awards in Malaysia. Or maybe it is 'world phenomenon' because such prize like Nobel Prize not free from controversial.

But back to the topic - are there too much of book fair in our country? Or is it good for book and reading environment? How about the profit that publishers and bookstores had been collected in previous events?

Many told me about the bad year for book industry and this not in this year - maybe a couple of years ago. And I think the number of titles kept increasing from time to time same as the number of events. It look like the publishers and bookstores always find a way from this supposably bad time for book industry to capture the market and to sell their books or clear their stock.

But how about to book lovers or book readers. Is it good for their reading environment and culture or it will turn them to, not a book zombies, but to tsundoku! Tsundoku as every book readers circle knew - a Japanese word that equivalent guys and girls who kept buying the book but a big chunk of it it had not been reading (I think I guilty of this charge also!).

Maybe we will discuss it at this coming book fair! *wink*

Read: Ekspo Buku Malaysia 25-29 November ini (in Malay)

Tujuh Keturunan: A Transition of myth society to 'modernized' community

Last Saturday, I invited to talk about Tujuh Keturunan, a novel by Abd Razak Adam which its title literally translated as Seven Generations. The talk held at Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka (KUIM), Kuala Sungai Baru, Melaka and organized by Ikatan Persuratan Melaka (IPM) or Malacca Literary Association. Among the speakers are a prolific writer who won SEA Write Award in 2011, Syed Mohd Zakir Syed Othman and a poet who also an academic at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr Shamsudin Othman.

I discussed Tujuh Keturunan from the aspect of transition of Malay rural traditional at pre-independent period to modernized Malay community at FELDA which happen after Merdeka (Independence). FELDA or Federal Land Development Authority is founded by the Malaysia government to constructed resettlement of rural community into agricultural structured settlement.

Interestingly, Tujuh Keturunan separated into two section; firstly, a traditional Malay which held a world-view compressed by a mixture of myth and religion elements and secondly, a more modernized mind of Malay but not exclude the Islamic aspect. It happen when Rahmat, the main character in this novel voluntarily participated with FELDA settlement that relocated him with other to a new land that still a forest.

When in his village, the myths still played a bigger role in term of giving the explanation about phenomenon happen in daily life. There was mysteriously midwife that had foster 'harimau jadian' (something like phantom cum tiger) or a man who had ability turning to a tiger (like werewolf in Western folklore) or a magical health treatment including licking by tiger. Also there was a kuntilanak (woman vampire) who reside at tall and shady tree; puaka (gnome maybe) who dangle at a tree or magical stick (certainly more bigger than Harry Potter and the others wizard's magical wand) which gave invulnerable strength to the owner.

But it not just about myth that occupied Malay rural life. It was also a religious aspect that gave a meaning to Malay world-view even if it not got a bigger explanation from the author. There was a aqiqah scene that blended with Malay syair berendoi among others. Berendoi is a ceremony that hold in conjunction of bercukur or hair cutting and shaving of a newborn's ceremony usually at the 7th day after his/her birth. After the cutting or shaving, the baby placed in endoi or swing with the performing of berendoi chatting.

The second phase in Rahmat life changed to more challenging because he and other settlers must cleared the jungle to pave the way for rubber cultivation. Because the vigorously struggle including under threat of wild elephants and food shortage, the myths that dominated in their former life had been disappeared. Now, it all about giving all the effort to make a life in a new land. The demand of modernization made them to ceased a part of their life but still maintain their religious aspect.

For me, Tujuh Keturunan is a good reading except it still can go further and deeper because there is so many thing the author could elaborate either in Malay rural traditional life or an early struggle of FELDA settlement.

Jasni won SEA Write Award

Sabah-born writer, Jasni Matlani has been named as the recipient for the Malaysian's SEA Write Award. SEA Write Award has been given by Thailand annually since 1979 with each of the ASEAN country name their recipient respectively.

Matlani write in various genres in literature from poetry to short story and essay while actively involve in literary activism. He also the President of Badan Bahasa dan Sastera Sabah (BAHASA). This year is a remarkable year for Matlani because he just won ITBM-PENA-BH's writing competition when both his short stories compilation and anthology of poetry swept for third place.

A new polemic on language and education in Malaysia

There is round table closed meeting organized at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) which participated by various key figures, writers and activists to discuss about dual language programme (DLP) dan high immersive programme (HIP). Those two initiatives especially DLP suspected as strategic move to re-implement  the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI). The implementation of PPSMI had been hotly debated among various group and opposed by many people including academics, writers and cultural activists. The PPSMI then scrapped in 2009 and replaced by Upholding Malay Language, Strengthening English (MBMMBI) policy.

Read, Pertemuan Meja Bulat Isu Sistem Dwibahasa Pendidikan Negara bermula (in Malay language).

The vision of poet

There is a hadith which said 'for the vision of a Muslim is the forty-fifth part of Prophecy.' Without our conscious, Rahimidin Zahari had left his vision time after time. Yet we never saw its except just like an ordinary poetry.

Poetry Gala
by Rahimidin Zahari
translated by Nazmi Yaakub

people seem to be drunk and possessed
mounted to the dais to recite poem by poem -
rolling on the main stage, scattering
words, sparing not of the words
true or false, they continued partying

bonfires were lit - they forgot night
had turned into day; day also
had turned back to night

when the poetry gala lasted several days,
some nights; I were asleep a few days
some nights, without wake.

Poem for and by Rahimidin Zahari

Noktah Itu (That Dot) by Rosli K Matari for me like a lighthouse on an island that its bright light make us forget how beutiful of its panorama. Hanya Langit Meratap (Only Sky Grief*) like that island.

That Dot had been written by Rosli not just as a brilliant poet, but also he was a teacher to Rahimidin Zahari. It was their story begun from the early age; Rosli as a young teacher and Rahimidin as a student. They bound together to be closed friend ever until Rahimidin died on Thursday afternoon, May 14th this year after suffered a severe stroke. Because of that, That Dot has a soul of history, friendship and brotherhood which to some extend would not happen to other poets as far as Malay literary concern.

Certainly, I could not translated this poem as good as the original one not just because the limit of my language and ability, but because that friendship and brotherhood which bound those two poets of par excellence. But it not hurt to try to translate both poems from Rosli and Rahimidin.

And the second poem is taken from Rahimidin last book, Sehelai Daun Kenangan (A Piece of Memory Leaf*). This title will be at a special place forever, insya-Allah.


That Dot
(Remembering Allahyarham Rahimidin Zahari)
by Rosli K Matari
translated by Nazmi Yaakub


1
I recall you
who came with letters
incomplete to spell
frangipani.

2
Still you were ready
with a dot
at the tip of leaf,
because the leaves shall shed.

In ink there is letters
in letters there is a soul
in soul, the pool is calm
sky, as well as waves.

Don't confuse ink
to the clouds, I said
because love of the sky
is white, blue.

Sadly red, yellow
but its soul
has others
gray, black.

You chose dawn, but I teached
you to stare at horizon,
there is another meaning
why sun has to set.

You must know
why there aren't different
light and life,
dot with a shadow.

3
Now, between dusk
frangipani and your gravestone,
I recall you
in my tears.

Among horizon
and your tombstone,
it is not easy for me to imagine
a drop of dot.

Tok Canggah Cemetery,
Peringat



A Piece of Memory Leaf
by Rahimidin Zahari
translated by Nazmi Yaakub


trees leap
looking for spring
at the edge of village

but the village had long
burnt - no
spring from bowels of the earth

villagers became invisible
disappeared behind a wave of cloud -
leaving only a name and
shadow also a piece
of memory leaf.

October 2014

*not translated

4,600 manuscripts have not been studied

There are a total of 4,600 manuscripts written in Jawi in various disciplines which in the collection of the Malaysia National Library (PNM) have not been studied until today.

Director General of the National Library, Nafisa Ahmad, said the collection of manuscript was gathered over 30 years ago, when National Centre for Malay Manuscripts established in 1985.

Read about it in '4,600 manuskrip tulisan jawi belum dikaji' (link in Malay language). Until today, Malaysia has only a handfull of researcher in manuscript field and the number seem is not going to increase right now.

Today, PNM organized Discourse of Sulalatus Salatin in their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Sulalatus Salatin or Malay Annals give a romanticised account about the evolution of Kesultanan Melayu Malaka or Malaka empire from the beginning to it's downfall. UNESCO listed it as Memory of the World Programme International Register in 2001.

Announcement of Thailand SEA Write Award

As always, The Thai SEA Write Award had been announced early than other country including Malaysia. Veeraporn Nitiprapha won the prestigious literary award via A Blind Earthworm In a Labyrinth. Bangkok Post mentioned she as an unknown author and first-time published writer.

It also said that all the seven SEA Write judges committee unanimously chose the book because of its unique, evocative, and powerful prose which is encapsulated and well told by imaginative narrative plots that can deeply touch human hearts.

Malaysia will announce their candidate this Friday after the selection made by secrecy manner as always. Last year, the award sparked an uproar among the writer community. Hope now we learn from any mistake and give it based on merit.

The polemic of National Laureate

Recently, Datuk Zurinah Hassan has been named as the recipient for the 13th National Laureate Award which will carry the title of Sasterawan Negara (SN). She is the first ever female author who recieve such award since it introduced in 1981.

The announcement was made by Education Minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid who also said the selection was based on her outstanding contributions to the development of literature in the country through creative work, thinking and high quality literary activities.

Zurinah had produced a numerous writing especially in poetry collections which some of them had been translated into English such as Facing the Harbour (Menghadap ke Pelabuhan).

Since the announcement, we at Berita Harian (BH) ran a serie of polemics begining with a writer from young generation, Wan Nor Azriq, who wrote 'Hebat sangatkah menjadi sasterawan negara?' (Are national laureate is so great?) and received response by SEA Write Award winner, Rahman Shaari with the title Hanya pengkarya hebat jadi SN (Only great author will be a SN).

But far from over, this polemics still in initial phase.

List of Malaysian National Laureate
 
1981: Kamaludin Mohamad (Keris Mas)
1982: Shahnon Ahmad
1983: Usman Awang
1985: A Samad Said
1987: Arena Wati
1991: Muhammad Haji Salleh
1993: Noordin Hassan
1996: Abdullah Hussain
2003: S Othman Kelantan
2009: Anwar Ridhwan
2010: Ahmad Kamal Abdullah (Kamala)
2013: Baharuddin Zainal (Baha Zain)

Talking about Kokoro and post-modern human quest

A good input and discussion at Borak Buku yesterday when our guest, Ariff Mohamad whom also author and academician shared his view on Kokoro, a novel by the Japanese author Natsume Soseki which translated to the bahasa as Kalbu.

The selection of Japanese novel not because losing his faith to Malaysian literature, Ariff said, but largely because he want to capture back his reading in younger time. At those time, he said, there a lot of good choice foreign novels which translated to bahasa by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

And he went on to share his exciting experience in reading Kokoro either in bahasa or English translatation to the extend he disclosed all the plot of that novel!

But Borak Buku not just about sharing reading experience nor elaborating the whole plot or scene. We just not talked about the novel, its author and literary aspect but philosophical background and impact of modernization in east world including Japan.

For some reason, early discussion centralized in suicide element in this novel but not only in term of religion. We had some length in discussion to differentiate between suicide in term of postwar time and suicide in context of Japanese traditional (harakiri/seppuku).

Fellow author such as Zainal Rashid Ahmad, Muhammad Lutfi Ishak and Saifullizan Yahaya gave a good input about historical, cultural and philosophical background which happen in Japan post Meiji period. We had come to conclusion about loneliness or alienation of post-modernism human in particular author and intellectual, beside their quest of happiness which happen in this era and translated to literary writing including Soseki.

Borak Buku is monthly literary event organized by Young Writer Bureau from Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA) which gave a platform to fellow author or artist to shared their favourite book with audience.

Two poems from T Alias Taib

I tried to translate two poems from Malaysian poet, T Alias Taib (1943-2004). He never won SEA Write Award nor awarded as Malaysia's laureate, but he certainly 'win' our hearts till now.

a solitary lady
by T Alias Taib
translated by Nazmi Yaakub

a solitary lady
her heart is a cup of coffee

a flock of winds at the window
wingless
rippleless

she leaned on her fate
witnessed by a silence wall
beaten by a blue sorrow

moonlight at a curtain
waveless
ruffleless

a solitary lady
she drank her own heart



a loaf of incense
by T Alias Taib
translated by Nazmi Yaakub

night flowed
and soaked
by a death

the air melted
and restless
by a loss

a loaf of incense
sluggishly burning
in the middle of room
its smoke
floating

a child
suddenly floundered
at the corner of room
his voice
wailing

night flowed
and soaked
its air melted
and tossed

Farewell Pak Lah Hussain, 'Into The Light'

His departure dropped the curtain on for the year of 2014 and his funeral began our 2015 literary journey. National Laureate, Datuk Abdullah Hussain, 94, died of old age after a very long and interesting literary adventure including (but not only) involving in Indonesian War of Independence in his early day (allegedly) and an unneeded controversial when his novel, Interlok (Interlock) was misunderstood by certain quarters of Malaysian.

I began to know him first through his novels, Masuk ke Dalam Cahaya (Into the Light) and Imam before interviewing him as a literature journalist. It happen when Interlok had been unfairly tarnished, not because as a literary work, but as historical writing. But then again, it is not about right or wrong, only the grievance was fueled by political agenda. Abdullah didn't choose the wrong word but certain party of people decided to bury the historical fact and ignored the past. Because of his sinile age, the questions had been written on paper and the conversation didn't take a long time. But his memory still intacted to remember the old days especially the need to write such novel as far as national unity concern.

More than hundred people, comprised of family members, authors and friends, gathered at Masjid Tun Abdul Aziz for funeral prayer, Petaling Jaya, yesterday including almost all of National Laureates, A Samad Said, Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh, Baharuddin Zainal, Anwar Ridhwan and Ahmad Kamal Abdullah and fellow writers such as Syed Mohd Zakir Syed Othman, Rahimidin Zahari, Shamsudin Othman, Muhammad Lutfi Ishak and Zaid Akhtar. Managing Director of The Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM), Mohd Khair Ngadiron and the President of Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA), Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad also attended the ceremony.

Maybe the best thing for me to remember Abdullah by jotting down these words:

'Dan Malam, Apabila Ia Berlalu' kita pun menerima khabar mendukakan.
Tanpa ada 'Konserto Terakhir', kita harap barkah, cinta lewat Selawat Perdana.
'Sebuah Perjalanan' seorang sasterawan dari 'Perjalanan Mencari Diri' kepada 'Perjalanan Mencari Bahasa', akhirnya 'Perjalanan Mencari Hikmah'.
Abdullah Hussain dari 'Kota ke Kota' meninggalkan alam ini ibarat 'Buih di Atas Air'.
Ah, 'Interlok' maka terurailah antara beliau dan kita, mewariskan beban sejarah yang belum kita pikul sepenuhnya.
Kala mula solat jenazah, terpandang 'Imam' siap bertakbir, memimpin kita yang penuh damba.
Kala aku mengusung kerandanya seperti menghulurkan naskhah 'Masuk ke Dalam Cahaya'.
Pergilah sang sasterawan, namamu dipanggil untuk 'Pertemuan Abadi'.

Farewell Pak Lah, behold, if Allah wills, we shall meet you. We ask of Allah's safety for us and for you.

- At the New Straits Times, Abdullah Hussain a loving father and husband

Malaysian authors, writers and figures

(A)

Abdul Rashid, Mohamed Ghozali (1949)
Mohamed Ghazali Abdul Rashid or known as Malim Ghozali Pk is a Perak-born writer. He write in various genres such as short story, novel and non-creative writing. His short story compilations are Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) and Ini Chow Kit Road, Sudilah Mampir (Call In at Chow Kit Road, Please*), while his novels are Janji Paramaribu (Paramaribo's Promise*); Daun (Leaves*) and Redang (Redang*). He translated his own novel, Luka Nering into English as Tree of Sorrow and currently was nominated for long list of Dublin International Literary Award 2016.

Adam, Abd Razak (1970)
Abd Razak Adam or known as A Razak Adam, Emir Adam and Azam is a Melaka-born writer. A teacher in practice, he published nine novels including Kasih Seharum Manisah (Manisah's Fragrant of Love*); Hanya Tuhan Yang Tahu (Only God Knew); Tujuh Keturunan (Seven Generation*); Cemeh (Cemeh*) and young adult novels.

Ahamed, Wan Omar (1948)
Wan Omar Ahamed or known as Sutung Umar RS is a Kelantan-born writer and poet. He was an editor of Dewan Sastera (DS), a prestigious Malaysian literary magazine and literature editor at Berita Harian (BH). His poetry anthologies are Taburkan Bunga; Di Negeri Kalbu and Ratib Kalbu. His novels are Api Cinta; Dia dan Nya and Meski Jauh Dibatasi Bumi.

Ahmad, Zainal Rashid (1967)
Zainal Rashid Ahmad is a Kedah-born writer, journalist and TV documentary producer based in Kuala Lumpur for various television channel. Best known as mastery in realism magic, he wrote short stories and poems which compiled in Al-Kisah (Al-Kisah*); Empunya Hikayat (Owner of Saga*) and Yang Tercinta (The Beloved One). His first novel is Hikayat Tanah Jauh (Chronicles of Distant Land*) and he is currently General Manager of TV Al Hijrah, Islamic television channel.

Al-Akiti, Fadli
Fadli Al-Akiti is a Selangor-born writer. He is among a few of science fiction's author in Malaysia. His novels are Saga Horizon and Gugurnya Azazil, while in Leksikon Ledang, he wrote together with Nor Azida Ishak. His essay compilation is TontonFilem which reviewed a local and foreign movies. Currently he is the Editor of Dewan Sastera, a leading literary magazine in Malaysia.



(H)

Harun, Mohd Ridzuan (1975)
Mohd Ridzuan Harun or known as Ridzuan Harun is a Kedah-born poet and an academic at National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA). He published three poetry compilations, Suluk Cinta (Mysticism's Love*); Buku Si Darwis (The Dervish Book*) and Negeri Kunang-kunang (The Country of Firefly*). He also wrote a children book, Siri Koleksi Gurindam Kanak-kanak Bertema (A Collection of Children's Gurindam With Themes*).

Hassan, Zurinah (1949)
Zurinah Hassan is a Kedah-born writer who named as the recipient 13th National Laureate Award, the first ever female author who recieve such award. She published a numoures book including Pujangga Tidak Bernama (Unnamed Literati*); Keberangkatan (Departure*); Menjelang Pemilihan (Toward Selection*) and Cerita Dalam Cerita (Story in the Story*). In 2014, her poetry collection Menghadap ke Pelabuhan translated to English as Facing the Harbour. She also wrote her own memoir, Memoir Zurinah Hassan and biography of Usman Awang.


(I)

Isa, Shaari (1933)
Shaari Isa is a Kedah-born writer and very prolific authors among the veterans. His novels range from young adult to adult such as a trilogy of Lepaskan Aku Kembali Ke Laut (Release Me Back to the Sea); Saujana (Infinity*); Perutusan dari Penjara (A Letter from Prison*) and Sebalik Yamashita dan Percival (Behind Yamashita and Percival). He also wrote espionage novel, Projek PL5 (PL5 Project*) and political non-creative title such as Vendetta and Abuse of Power.

Ishak, Muhammad Lutfi (1980)
Muhammad Lutfi Ishak or Lutfi Ishak is a Kedah-born poet and a teacher in Shah Alam. His second poetry anthology, Dondang Pembukaan (The Opening Dondang*) won writing contest organized by Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM), Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA) and Berita Harian (BH) in 2015. His first poetry compilation is Kafe (Cafe*). He also produced short stories anthology, Malam Pertama (Wedding Night*).


(K)

Kahar, Baharuddin (1946)
Baharuddin Kahar is a Perak-born writer. His novels are Kampung Halaman (Hometown*); Senjakala (Twilight Time) and Ceritera dari Pinggiran Taman (Story from the End of Park*), while his short story compilations are Terima Kasih Tuhanku (Thanks My God*) and Capa Rengat (Capa Rengat*)


(M)

Mohamad, Ariff
Ariff Mohamad is a Perak-born writer and an academic based in Tanjung Malim. Educated at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for bachelor and master degree, he wrote several novels, short stories anthologies and poetry compilations. His novels are Versi Aria (Aria Version*); Bebaskan Ekspresi (Liberated Expression*); Semenanjung Menangis (Crying Peninsular*) and ... Di Hujung Negeri (... At a Tip of State*). For the poetry, he published Titik ke Titik, Hujan (Point to Point, Raining*) and Benih Hanyut (Drifting Seed*).

Mohd Yusop, Sri Rahayu
Sri Rahayu Mohd Yusop is Selangor-born writer and an English teacher. Her novels are Bukan Legasi Lalang (Not a Weed's Legacy*); Merdekakan Cinta Ratna (Freeing the Ratna's Love*); Odisi Tanah Kencana; Warisnya Kalbu; Kasih Nan Agung (The Great Love*); Impuls/Roh (Impulse/Soul*); Bimasakti Menari (The Dancing of Milky Way*); Rimba Jiwa (The Soul of Jungle*); Equilibria (Equilibria*); Qalam Kalbu (Qalam Kalbu Scripture*) and Transgenik Sifar (Zero Transgenic*).

Muhammad, Kamaludin (1922-1992)
Kamaludin Muhammad or better known as Keris Mas was a first National Laureate who held the title SN and born in Bentong, Pahang. He was a prominent writer and founder of Malaysian literary movement called as Asas 50, abbreviation of Angkatan Sasterawan 1950 or Generation of 1950's. Among his well-known works are Kedai Sederet di Kampung Kami (A Row of Shops in Our Village*); Pahlawan Rimba Malaya (The Malaya Junggle's Warrior*); Anak Titiwangsa (Son of Titiwangsa*) and Rimba Harapan (The Jungle of Hope*). His short story compilation is Darah dan Air Mata and translated to English, Blood and Tears.


(N)

Nik Mat, Mohd Rosli (1961)
Mohd Rosli Nik Mat or known as Rosli K Matari is a Kelantan-born writer. A teacher at various schools in his homeland, he had been writing since 1978 in different genres from poetry to essay and drama. But his book came relatively late when his first poetry compilation, Nun Bulan (As Far as Moon*) published in 2011, followed by Tidakkah Kita Berada di Sana? (Have Not We're There?*); Anak Dusun (Children of Orchird*); Matahari Itu Jauh (The Farthest Sun*) and Hanya Langit Meratap (Only Sky Grief*).


(O)

Othman, Shamsudin (1966)
Shamsudin Othman is a Johor-born poet and academic. Educated at Teacher Training College Lembah Pantai, he furthered his study at Language Institute of Kuala Lumpur (IBBM) and received his master's degree at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). He earned his PhD at University of Malaya (UM). His poetry anthologies are Taman Percakapan (The Garden of Conversation*); Tanah Nurani (The Conscience of Land*); Taman Maknawi (The Spiritual Orchard*); Taman Insaniah (The Humanity Orchard*) and Kudus Kesturi (The Holy of Musk*).


(S)

Syed Othman, Syed Mohd Zakir (1969)
Syed Mohd Zakir Syed Othman or known as S.M. Zakir is a Kelantan-born writer. A very prolific writer in various genres, he won SEA Write Award in 2011. His short story collections are Merengkuh Langit (Embracing the Sky*); Sekuntum Kembang di Sayap Jibril (Rose-bud on Gabriel's Wing*); Menyirat Nirmala*; Sekeping Roh di Atas Bantal (A Piece of Spirit on the Pillow*); Memburu Malaikat (Hunting the Angel*) and Serigala dan Sekuntum Tulip (Wolves and the Tulip*), while his latest anthology, Bidadari Burung had been translated to English by the title, The Bird Nymph. He has three poetry anthologies, Sajak-sajak Petualang: Manusia Mimpi (The Poems of Adventurer: A Dreamer*); Aroma (Aroma*) and Perjalanan Sang Zaman (The Journey of Time*). He also published a couple of novel from young adult to adult such as Di Bawah Lembayung (Under the Crimson*) and Ahli Politik (Politician). As an essayist, he published many compilations such as Dunia Tanpa Tirai (World Without Curtain*); Pascamoden: Kutukan Terhadap Falsafah dan Agama (Postmodenism: A Curse to Philosophy and Religion*); Filem dan Pemikiran (Film and Thought*); Sinema - Kumpulan Esei Ulasan Filem (Cinema - An Essays Compilation of Film*) and Laboratorium (The Lab*).


(T)

Taib, Tengku Alias (1943-2004)
Tengku Alias Taib or known as T Alias Taib was a Terengganu-born poet. His poetry journey began since 1960 which produced such excel compilation such as Laut Tak Biru Di Seberang Takir (Blue is not Color of Seberang Takir Coastal*); Pemburu Kota (City Hunter*); Seberkas Kunci (Cluster of Keys*); Opera (Opera*) ; Piramid (Pyramid*); Petang Condong (Skew Evening*) dan Pasar Pengalaman (Exprience Market*).


(W)

Wan Mokhtar, Wan Nor Azriq (1986)
Wan Nor Azriq Wan Mokhtar is a Kedah-born writer. His novels are Boneka Rusia Guido (Guido's Russian Doll*); D.U.B.L.I.N (D.U.B.L.I.N *) and Soneta Roda Basikal (The Sonnet of Wheel*). His other books are Dompet Kulit Buaya (Wallet of Crocodile Leather*) and 86. D.U.B.L.I.N also won writing contest organized by Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM), Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA) and Berita Harian (BH) in 2014.


(Y)

Yahaya, Saifullizan (1975)
Saifullizan Yahaya is a Perak-born writer and poet; working with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) as a literature officer.  His compilation of poems are Biar Puisi Menjadi Peluru (Let Poetry Being Bullets*) and Aku Gagak (I'm a Crow*), while his short stories can be read in Lelaki Tua dan Sebuah Kerusi (Oldman and the Chair*).


(Z)

Zahari, Rahimidin (1968-2015)
Rahimidin Zahari was a Kelantan-born writer. He hold Bachelor of Fine Arts from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and had a diploma in Arts at Malaya University (UM). He wrote in various genres including poetry, short story, novel, essay, drama and novel. Zahari published over than 20 titles not include 12 poetry collection, Lakaran Kampung (Village Sketche*); Cemara (Casuarina); Sajak kecil Sekitar Tengah Malam (Small Poem around The Midnight*); Sekepal Tanah (A Fistful of Soil*); Matahari Berdoa (A Gracing Sun*); Di Kebun Khatulistiwa (In Equator Orchard*); Aksara (Script*); Perjalanan Salik (A Journey of Sufi*); Perahu Fansuri (Fansuri Boat*); Bayang Beringin (The Shade of Banian*); Laut Tujuh Gelombang Buih (Seven Wave of Foam's Sea*) and Sehelai Daun Kenangan (A Piece of Memory Leaf). His anthology was translated in other language including in English like Rawana: Selected Poems/Sajak-sajak Terpilih and Istana Pasir as Zamok Iz Peska in Russia. He also wrote about Malay heritage such as Makyung: The Mystical Heritage of Malaysia and Wayang Kulit: Shadow Play the Folk of the Malay Archipelago. His only novel is Pewaris (The Heir*). Zahari was a stage manager at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur and editor of theatre magazine, Pentas.

* have not been translated yet