Merdeka: Naguib & Project 366 August 31, 2006
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Malaysia, Note2Self, Readings, Writings.trackback
What a most ordinary way to spend the eve of the 49th Merdeka anniversary — listening to 4 persons speak for 3 hours on the Constitution. Apparently I missed out on some singing at the start of the forum. Or not.
I found it strange that the national celebrations will be held in Kuching this year, considering Sarawak didn’t form part of Malaya in 1957. A bit like celebrating Bastille Day in French Guyana. In fact, I found it strange to be here this time of year as I’m usually abroad for my summer break.
From today onwards, I shall think of Naguib when I think of Merdeka day. Naguib Mahfouz, one of the Arab’s world best-known literary figure passed away on 30 August.
The irony was, this afternoon, Raman, Salleh Joned and I were catching up and discussing about the role of literature and writers in shaking the foundations of society. And none of us could think of any Malaysian writers who succeeded in the last five years. Pin-pricks don’t count.
The last loose ends are being tied up today. Project 366 will be unveiled on 1 Sept.
elizabeth wong 
sigh. i was shocked when i found out he died on the 30th! i just accidentally discovered today when i checked the silverfish site.
naguib was part of my college life. he was one of those authors i kept secret from my professors lest they find out i’m reading asian works and not the canon (read: english and american lit).
i shall treasure my “arabian nights and days” and think of malaysia every time i read it.
hey, i’ll be looking forward to reading more of malaysian literature in the future.
claire, and you are very much a part of malaysia’s literature with Project 365.