(Nation Writer’s Association Malaysia)
The initial idea to set up such an association did have its seed
among the members of ASAS 50 (a writers association formed during the fifties
in Singapore), but admittedly the movement was more familiar with an era
already passing in recent memory-those days of a colonial British Singapore is certainly
different from this Kuala Lumpur emerging in its newly independent years. ASAS
50 appeared at the tail end of anti-colonial British Singapore is certainly
different from this Kuala Lumpur emerging in its newly independent years. ASAS
50 appeared at the tail end if anti-colonial movement whereas the association
will be set-up in a period that will see the rise of a free nation. Thus, the
vision of PENA was perceived to be different from ASAS 50 in that it must assume
a more national outlook-a duty towards unity, identity, as well as a national
language and corpus of literature built upon the Malay language.
With the nationalistic spirit flying
high, a working paper outlining the main goals of the proposed association was
produced for debate at a gathering taking place at Universiti Malaya on 12
February 1961. The following year, on 2 September 1962, The Government. This
was the beginning of an historic period where a national writers association
played an important role in the early Independent years with the mission: “To
unite writers of the nation, from all fields and beliefs; and strive
encompassing in language, literature and education ; in tandem with the needs
of the country yet uninfluenced by any political party agenda; and working
entirely according to the laws of the land” (Objectives PENA Constitution).
II
Political Tensions and
Complications
of the Independent Years
It is
interesting to note that the first committee of PENA was made up if individuals
of such varied social and political beliefs and inclinations. Usman Awang, Syed
Husin Ali, Kassim Ahmad and Wan A. Hamid for examples were more inclined
towards socialism and the left, while Ali Haji Ahmad and Aishah Ghani were
clearly active in and closely associated to the UMNO political party. Then
there were the many scholars, academicians and culturalists. This situation
continued well throughout the 60s and leadership in PENA portrayed a
multifariousness that also included personalities clearly Islamic in moral
outlook like Keris Mas and Abu Zaki Fadzil. What brought together so many
individuals of different ilk’s was the desire to pursue common goals in the
spirit of the nation, a struggle to honour Malay Language as a language of
knowledge and nation identity and to fight for social-economic justice.
Driven by such spirit and resolves,
many talks, forums and initiatives were undertaken to fight for issues facing
writers such as publishing right, copyright protection and also honorarium and
royalties. A memorandum was prepared pertaining to the development and
recognition of literature and this led to state literary awards. To promote the
communication of literary matters, PENA published its magazine, Penulis
on January 1964, April 1964 and August/December 1964. While the articles
therein were most interesting (contributions gained from Malay and non-Malay
writers) unfortunately the publication was short lived.
During the 60s, the nation was
undergoing a difficult process of replacing the last remnants of colonial rule
while experiencing a strong undercurrent of mistrust between the various ethnic
groups. It was at such time that the socially-committed writers found themselves
heavily criticizing the Government. In a nation that was still trying to find
its footing in public policies, further haunted by the twin spectres of find
its footing in publics policies, further haunted by the twin spectres of ethnic
relations and poverty, PENA – through the activism of its member writers-by
proxy gave rise to protest poetry, most notably the Keranda 152
and Telok Gong anthologies. There had always been a clash of opinions
between writers and figures of authority, especially in language issues, and a
tense-state-of-relation existed between the two. This led to PENA playing its
role as the voice for writers, especially during a time when their rights and
freedoms were under scrutiny by political figures in the Government.
III
From Crisis to Early Foundation
Conflicts of
interest between groups and racial differences in the early post Independent
years culminated in bloodshed with the racial riots of 13 May 1969. The crisis
opened many eyes pertaining to the need for unity and a national foundation
upon which the country’s stability can be built. The tragic incident, however,
had brought the intellectuals and politicians together in order to find ways
through the crisis. PENA writers provided many ideas pertaining to the cultural
agenda such as development and recognition of literature, the national cultural
policy and establishing of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University
of Malaysia) and resulted in closing the ranks between writers and leaders.
In line with the PENA’s progressive
outlook that does not discriminate between ethnics groups, being both
non-communal and anti-racial, another effort to empower writers was conceived.
To enable writers associations to move
more concertedly not just in the cities but also nationwide, PENA on 20
September 1969 raised the idea for greater cooperation between writers
movements at state-level. Thus, on 23 October 1970, in a meeting attended by 13
writers associations from various parts of the country, GAPENA (Federation of
National Writers Associations) was formed.
The 70s was probably the most important period in the process of
Malaysia’s political maturity, with the country under Prime Minister Tun Abdul
Razak. During this period, several key national policies and initiative were established
such as National Cultural Policy, New Economic Policy, the standardization of
Malaysia-Indonesia spelling system, the use of the national language as medium
of instruction beginning from primary level, and the acknowledgement of
literature. Due to the fact that PENA members themselves were comprised of
prominent writers, scholars and government bureaucrats, it was not difficult to
gather opinions and ideas and get them across to the government leadership.
IV
Era of Fulfilling Development
The 80s was a
decade of development with several economic and cultural policies in place
aimed at eradicating poverty, restructuring society and placing the base for
unity and national identity. As would later be seen, the existing rivalry
within UMNO ranks would to no small extent affect the writing community as a
whole. PENA too was effected when groups within the association began
identifying with rival factions in the ruling political party. Be that as it
may, the non-partisan traditional and struggles in PENA and the culture of
tolerance to the diversity in beliefs among its members still held fast, and
PENA survived whatever differences there was between the political leadership
and writers. Here the strength and integrity of PENA prevailed, a movement which
from its conception respected the freedom of expression and works of writers.
This right to individual freedoms was adhered to by PENA to ensure that the
organization would not fall to rubble or become the instrument of propaganda by
any party.
The channel of communication between
PENA and the Government proved to be productive especially with the involvement
of Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka as a centre of language and literary development
and publishing. Whenever DBP could not openly articulate on certain issues
pertaining national interest were protected.
V
From Century to Century: Continuity in
PENA Leadership and Creativity
The last ten
years of the 20th century was of certain significance to this
national movement of writers. In the 1994, an “All-Asia Writers Conference” had
taken place with the theme of “The Role of Writers in the Development of Future
Asian Civilization”. Bigwig scholars, editors and politicians were invited to
talk at the conference. This sizeable dialogue proved PENA’s openness to engage
in discourse with a universal audience even though the basis of its national
struggles was rooted in the Malay language and culture.
As an association that had irregular
funding and heavily relying on outside contribution, PENA found itself often
operating on the charity of others. Only in 1997 that the movement found a home
along Jalan Dewan Bahasa in a government owned house which also had its own attractive
lawn. After repair works were complete, PENA moved in and began operating in a
more regular way. There has since been many writing activities, lectures and
even theatrical and visual art workshops undertaken at the premise. Thus, the
house became a place where old and new talent engaged in dialogue, work,
experimentations and living in an artistic environment. Most importantly, there
is also interaction between artistic of various fields: writers meeting with
sculptures and painters. This is a productive exchange in the midst of a busy
metropolitan Kuala Lumpur.
Since 1998, the Malam Baca Puisi PENA (PENA Poetry Reading Evening)
has been held every first Friday of the month. The event held outdoors on the
lawn is a deliberately relaxed and easy going affair to ensure wider
participation especially from the younger generation. The Malam Baca Puisi PENA
has become a model and inspiration for other communities in Kuala Lumpur and
other states.
“The 90s leadership of PENA has given much
attention to the development of works since what
will eventually become a national legacy is a body
of quality writing, there is thus much hope placed
upon the younger generation which appear to be actively writing
presently.”
Each month the Dialog Pinggir PENA (PENA Fringe Dialogue) is also
held by and for younger writers, usually on Saturday morning or afternoon. This
is an important forum for up-and-coming writers to evaluate the quality of
their ideas and creativity. It is not just literary criticism but also intellectual
and creative issues that are raised as topics for discussion.
The 90s leadership of PENA has given much attention to the
development of works since what will eventually become a national legacy ia a
body of quality writing, there is thus hope placed upon the younger generation
which appear to be actively writing presently. It is also observed in the PENA
working committee that the younger literary activists have displayed
pro-activeness in determining the direction of PENA.
In cultural issues and welfare of writers, PENA has always promptly
responded to ensure the interests of artists are taken care of. Since its early
beginnings, special articles have always been included in memoranda to relevant
authorities for evaluation, policymaking and implementation. Apart from the
many memoranda for the national languages into the National Education Policy;
on Malay Studies at Universiti Malaya, and also on matters related to taxation
and royalties. From 1992 to 2004, at least six important memoranda has been issued
by PENA.
Several proposals made by PENA has since received government
attention and been implemented in some areas such as taxation, publishing
credit facilities, promoting reading culture and also some artistic activities
for local artist. In championing the sanctity of the national language, PENA
had issued a strong statement on 12 June 2002, opposing the use of English as
the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics at primary schools-a move
PENA deems as running counter to the very spirits of the National Education
Policy, and regressing efforts to develop the national language as a language
for modern knowledge well into the futere.
In light of the new leadership of Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi and his appointing of Dato Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim as the
Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage activities at domestic and international
levels. In a meeting with the Minister on 14 May 2002, PENA had submitted the
memorandum ‘Views and Proposals on the Arts’, for the benefits of all artist
and future cultural growth.
The future of PENA depends heavily on how far it can pursue a
progressive attitude that was pioneered by its leaders: apart from championing
the cause for the nation’s foundations through Malay language, it also serves as
a platform for patriotisme open to all generations, schools of thought and
firmly clasping irreproachable morals and values. The future of PENA will
become more complex as it has to face the constantly evolving challenges of
globalization. Its leaders must have an intellectual courage that is
responsible and uninfluenced; always prepared to face the eclecticism of our
local artists and a dialogue that is universal.