A culture cannot aspire for greatness if it treats its thinkers and intellectuals with callous disregard. In any other culture, a talent like Kassim Ahmad would be amply rewarded, his achievements widely acknowledged. Yet, the best that Malaysia could offer him shining star was a high school teaching position. This was at a time when the number of Malays pursuing graduate work was miniscule. Kassim had taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Worse, he was once detained under the ISA for daring to espouse his political views.
I first came to know of Kassim Ahmad through his writings while in secondary school thanks 2 my BM teacher MR Om . His novel and radical interpretation of the Malay classic, Hikayat Hang Tuah, shook the way I and most of Malays generally looked at our traditions and culture.
The traditional thinking was that the hero was Hang Tuah, hence the title. He personified the ideals of a Malay hero, someone loyal to the sultan. Even his name portends great things. Tuah means exceptional; a worthy name for a hero.
His protagonist, Hang Jebat, was the traitor who dared challenge the sultan. Even his name rhymes with jahat (rascal), an apt name for a purported villain.Then came Kassim's Perwatakan Hikayat Hang Tuah (the Characters in Hang Tuah). It would have remained an obscure academic exercise except for the fact that Dewan Bahasa was desperate to publish works in Malay. It had to resort to publishing student's theses!
Kassim frontally challenged the orthodox Malay thinking on authority, and royalty in particular. According to Kassim, the real hero is not Hang Tuah, rather the hitherto presumed renegade, Hang Jebat. To Kassim, Tuah is the typical palace sycophant who willingly sells his body and soul to the sultan, a loyalty conveniently reinforced by whatever largesse the sultan could bestow.Jebat is the rugged individualist, not awed by those who wield power. His loyalty is to institutions, not individuals. To Kassim, Jebat is the true hero, not the prodigal son, Tuah.It is a conflict of commitment to principles and institutions represented by Jebat, versus personal loyalty as presented by Tuah. It is this universal conflict, concretized in the setting of a traditional feudal society, which makes Hikayat Hang Tuah such a powerful and enduring piece of literature.
The account of his incarceration, Universiti Kedua (Second University), makes painful reading. A poignant passage describes the guards, under the guise of friendship, taking away for "safekeeping" Kassim's painfully written manuscript for a new novel. They then proceeded to destroy it in front of his eyes. Such cruelty! The spite of the guards was exceeded only by their ignorance. At a time when published works in Malay literature were sparse, this was an unbelievable act of utter stupidity, if not a crime against our culture.When reading Universiti Kedua, I could hardly contain my rage against the authorities for their cruelty to this man. I felt great sorrow for Kassim, but far greater sorrow for my fellow thoughtless countrymen.
A culture that treats its intellectuals with such cruelty cannot aspire for greatness.The Indonesian writer Parmoedya Ananta Toer suffered through the same humiliation while in prison, but he was unfazed. He committed his novel to memory by retelling it repeatedly to his fellow inmates. When freed, he quickly published his Pulau Buru quartet, as well as his memoirs, Nyanyian Sunyi Seorang Bisu (The Mute's Soliloquy) to international acclaim. Kassim, however, never quite recovered, and the world of Malay literature lost forever Zaman Pencaroba (Era of Crisis).Kassim's ability to shake the collective Malay psyche remains undiminished. In 1986, he released his Hadis: Satu Penilian Semula (Hadith: A Re-evaluation). This Book Was Banned In Malaysia but the English transalation is available in the library of the University of Arkanasas
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Believe ME.....We r FOoLs..!!!!
Kassim Baba's novel interpretation of our literary classic, Hikayat Hang Tuah, forced me (and I hope also others) to look differently at our culture and world. I felt a sense of grand wonderment after reading his work, as if a thick veil had been lifted off me. Kassim whetted my youthful rebellious spirit. It fortified me to challenge the certitudes forced upon me by my culture. In the process, I saw the beauty and elegance of the world and of my culture. At the same time, I also became painfully aware of the ugliness of that world and my culture.Today, decades later and presumably much wiser as well as more accepting, I am still filled with wonderment on reading Kassim’s masterpieces, but for different reasons.Here I am in the Mecca of capitalism and fully embracing as well as benefiting from free enterprise, full of admiration and respect for this man who is an ardent and committed socialist.I believe firmly that free enterprise is the best avenue for achieving individual and as well as society’s fulfilment, while Kassim is fully committed to the egalitarian ideals of socialism. Our utopia is the same: a just, caring and prosperous society where citizens are free to pursue their personal ideals and dreams.While I am separated from Kassim by the vast knowlegde that he has, and philosophically even further away from him, yet I feel intellectually close to him. I greatly appreciate his works and welcome his views and ideas. I admire the man for his courage, talent and commitment. I respect him even more for such qualities are rare, and even rarer is the combination.In Malaysia, today, specifically in Malay culture, we remain deeply divided over trivial differences. We do not hesitate labelling each other as traitors for inconsequential political differences. With impunity, we denigrate each other as infidels for simply daring to express minor differences in interpretation of our faith. Our leaders disparage our young as being ungrateful for boldly asking uncomfortable questions.It is as if we expect Malays to be clones of one another.
In our culture, we are told to loathe and ostracise the black sheep. In doing this we implicitly compare ourselves to a flock of sheep, mindlessly following the shepherd. Indeed leaders especially those with a dictatorial bent would like their followers to be like sheep.It is well to remember that while a benevolent shepherd would lead his flock to greener pastures, a blind one could just as easily lead them off the cliff, and a deaf one to the wolf’s den.I have been exchanging views and letters with Kassim Ahmad for quite some time. The medium of the Internet brings us closer together as if we were in nearby villages. If a core capitalist like me and a staunch socialist like Kassim can be respectful of each other’s views and be welcoming of each other’s contributions, I fail to see why our larger community remains unnecessarily divided into liberal and fundamentalist Muslims, UMNO and PAS politicians, or monarchist and republican Malays. It pains me immensely, and I am certain Kassim too, to see our country thus polarised. Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. It is our prized asset, not a cursed liability. We are humans, not sheep; we should expect and indeed welcome differences in taste, views and choices.
In the classic epic, the two heroes Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat could not resolve their differences. Their conflict consumed their friendship, and ultimately their honour and lives. It also divided and destroyed their community. There is no reason why modern day Hang Tuahs and Hang Jebats have to follow suit and allow that to happen to themselves and their community. If we must battle it out, let it be in the battlefield of ideas, and only there.
Anak Yang Soleh (The Prodigal Son)
When growing up, my Bahasa Malaysia teacher Mr Om Kumar(the Best BM teacher i had ...i was his Murid Kesayangan in SMk St Paul) used to tell me stories of Anak Yang Soleh (The Prodigal Son),knowing how much i loved politics in my school goin days.As the individual who would do society good. His reasons for relating such stories were obvious, as expressions of teaching duty as well as hope.Living in an alien world away from my familiar culture, these three provide my anchoring stability that bonds me to my traditions and values.In my view, Kassim Ahmad is one anak yang soleh. It pains me greatly that our society has chosen to ignore this man. Kassim however would prefer this state of affair. The last time the authorities paid heed to Kassim, he ended up in jail under the Internal Security Act! When members of the Islamic establishment read or claimed to have read Kassim’s works, they labelled him anti-hadith.In time, those establishment ulama will disappear with their pension, but Kassim and his ideas will endure. Thanks to insight of Kassim, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will still be debating Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, and learning useful lessons from the discourse.I am always amused when my friends sarcasticly compliment me for my “courage” in expressing my views in a topic nodody gives a damm of.My response; I live in a society that prizes individual freedom; besides, I am beyond the reach of the ISA(harap harap laa). In truth, it is individuals like Kassim Ahmad who are truly courageous. They have felt the wrath of the authorities and yet continue to speak out against injustices and tyranny.Kassim Ahmad rejoined UMNO in 1986. He is a severe and persistent critic of the Malaysian brand of “politics as usual”, in particular political shenanigans and blatant corruptions. Nonetheless, he can be generous in his praises. In this interview as well in his earlier essays, he spoke warmly and favourably of Tun Mahathir. This led many to the mistaken belief that the man had “gone soft” or worse, become an apologist for the status quo.
An original narration i had from Mr Om when I was in Form 5 Basilian,yr 2005..Thank u Sir..for enlightening me...
Rewritten for Humanity and the New Breed of Young Malaysians by Kavinash...
In our culture, we are told to loathe and ostracise the black sheep. In doing this we implicitly compare ourselves to a flock of sheep, mindlessly following the shepherd. Indeed leaders especially those with a dictatorial bent would like their followers to be like sheep.It is well to remember that while a benevolent shepherd would lead his flock to greener pastures, a blind one could just as easily lead them off the cliff, and a deaf one to the wolf’s den.I have been exchanging views and letters with Kassim Ahmad for quite some time. The medium of the Internet brings us closer together as if we were in nearby villages. If a core capitalist like me and a staunch socialist like Kassim can be respectful of each other’s views and be welcoming of each other’s contributions, I fail to see why our larger community remains unnecessarily divided into liberal and fundamentalist Muslims, UMNO and PAS politicians, or monarchist and republican Malays. It pains me immensely, and I am certain Kassim too, to see our country thus polarised. Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. It is our prized asset, not a cursed liability. We are humans, not sheep; we should expect and indeed welcome differences in taste, views and choices.
In the classic epic, the two heroes Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat could not resolve their differences. Their conflict consumed their friendship, and ultimately their honour and lives. It also divided and destroyed their community. There is no reason why modern day Hang Tuahs and Hang Jebats have to follow suit and allow that to happen to themselves and their community. If we must battle it out, let it be in the battlefield of ideas, and only there.
Anak Yang Soleh (The Prodigal Son)
When growing up, my Bahasa Malaysia teacher Mr Om Kumar(the Best BM teacher i had ...i was his Murid Kesayangan in SMk St Paul) used to tell me stories of Anak Yang Soleh (The Prodigal Son),knowing how much i loved politics in my school goin days.As the individual who would do society good. His reasons for relating such stories were obvious, as expressions of teaching duty as well as hope.Living in an alien world away from my familiar culture, these three provide my anchoring stability that bonds me to my traditions and values.In my view, Kassim Ahmad is one anak yang soleh. It pains me greatly that our society has chosen to ignore this man. Kassim however would prefer this state of affair. The last time the authorities paid heed to Kassim, he ended up in jail under the Internal Security Act! When members of the Islamic establishment read or claimed to have read Kassim’s works, they labelled him anti-hadith.In time, those establishment ulama will disappear with their pension, but Kassim and his ideas will endure. Thanks to insight of Kassim, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will still be debating Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, and learning useful lessons from the discourse.I am always amused when my friends sarcasticly compliment me for my “courage” in expressing my views in a topic nodody gives a damm of.My response; I live in a society that prizes individual freedom; besides, I am beyond the reach of the ISA(harap harap laa). In truth, it is individuals like Kassim Ahmad who are truly courageous. They have felt the wrath of the authorities and yet continue to speak out against injustices and tyranny.Kassim Ahmad rejoined UMNO in 1986. He is a severe and persistent critic of the Malaysian brand of “politics as usual”, in particular political shenanigans and blatant corruptions. Nonetheless, he can be generous in his praises. In this interview as well in his earlier essays, he spoke warmly and favourably of Tun Mahathir. This led many to the mistaken belief that the man had “gone soft” or worse, become an apologist for the status quo.
An original narration i had from Mr Om when I was in Form 5 Basilian,yr 2005..Thank u Sir..for enlightening me...
Rewritten for Humanity and the New Breed of Young Malaysians by Kavinash...
The Cracks Have Been Covered...Lets Hope It StayZ That Way...!!
DATUK Seri Rafidah Aziz vehemently defended herself and her family against allegations that she had abused her position to issue approved permits (APs) to her relatives and certain individuals.
The International Trade and Industry Minister, who was challenged by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang to explain claims that she had given APs to her son-in-law and that she was being investigated by the Attorney-General for corruption, was clearly miffed when she replied:
“I will not put up with slander against myself and my family. Don’t play with me. If I am a queen, you are the court jester. I will sue you!”
She was referring to Lim’s recent remark comparing her to a queen for her rare appearance in the Dewan.
Rafidah, who came to Parliament to answer two questions, demanded that Lim retract his statement and told him not to touch on her personal affairs.
“I am proud of my integrity in discharging my duties. Jangan seronok cakap celupar di sini (Don’t simply shoot off your mouth here).
“Your accusations touched on my personal affairs. I don’t want my integrity to be challenged. Don’t doubt my integrity. I don’t have any relation to any AP holders,” she said in a raised voice.
It was the Cabinet’s decision to give APs to MPs in 1997 after they had requested it, she said.
Rafidah had regained her composure by the time she replied to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN – Bintulu) on the rationale she had called for the abolishment of APs.
“Whether or not it would be abolished depends on whether it had achieved the objective of developing bumiputra entrepreneurs in the industry.”
Lim then stood up and cited the Standing Order to propose a motion that the House refer him to the Privileges Committee for slandering Rafidah, as she had claimed.
“I’m willing to do this as I did not slander her. The minister must reply to the corruption issue. I propose that the Dewan refer Ipoh Timur to the committee,” said Lim.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Yusuf Yaacob, who allocated about 45 minutes for Rafidah’s reply during question time, disallowed the motion.
Earlier, when Rafidah stood to reply to a query by Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Teh (BN – Gerik) on the national automotive industry, he remarked that the MPs were honoured by her presence in the House to personally answer the questions.
Rafidah started by explaining that she was unable to attend sittings for the first three days to reply to questions on her ministry as she had been away.
To a question by Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN – Larut) who wanted to know why the ministry claimed that Proton was making profits while the information given to MPs stated that the national car company was recording losses, she said the ministry had never mentioned Proton’s losses or gains.
“It is up to the company to announce this. We’ve not ever stated that Proton was making profits or losses as we don’t control Proton. I’d like to put this on record,” she said.
The International Trade and Industry Minister, who was challenged by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang to explain claims that she had given APs to her son-in-law and that she was being investigated by the Attorney-General for corruption, was clearly miffed when she replied:
“I will not put up with slander against myself and my family. Don’t play with me. If I am a queen, you are the court jester. I will sue you!”
She was referring to Lim’s recent remark comparing her to a queen for her rare appearance in the Dewan.
Rafidah, who came to Parliament to answer two questions, demanded that Lim retract his statement and told him not to touch on her personal affairs.
“I am proud of my integrity in discharging my duties. Jangan seronok cakap celupar di sini (Don’t simply shoot off your mouth here).
“Your accusations touched on my personal affairs. I don’t want my integrity to be challenged. Don’t doubt my integrity. I don’t have any relation to any AP holders,” she said in a raised voice.
It was the Cabinet’s decision to give APs to MPs in 1997 after they had requested it, she said.
Rafidah had regained her composure by the time she replied to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN – Bintulu) on the rationale she had called for the abolishment of APs.
“Whether or not it would be abolished depends on whether it had achieved the objective of developing bumiputra entrepreneurs in the industry.”
Lim then stood up and cited the Standing Order to propose a motion that the House refer him to the Privileges Committee for slandering Rafidah, as she had claimed.
“I’m willing to do this as I did not slander her. The minister must reply to the corruption issue. I propose that the Dewan refer Ipoh Timur to the committee,” said Lim.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Yusuf Yaacob, who allocated about 45 minutes for Rafidah’s reply during question time, disallowed the motion.
Earlier, when Rafidah stood to reply to a query by Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Teh (BN – Gerik) on the national automotive industry, he remarked that the MPs were honoured by her presence in the House to personally answer the questions.
Rafidah started by explaining that she was unable to attend sittings for the first three days to reply to questions on her ministry as she had been away.
To a question by Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN – Larut) who wanted to know why the ministry claimed that Proton was making profits while the information given to MPs stated that the national car company was recording losses, she said the ministry had never mentioned Proton’s losses or gains.
“It is up to the company to announce this. We’ve not ever stated that Proton was making profits or losses as we don’t control Proton. I’d like to put this on record,” she said.
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