BENGKEL PENULISAN TENGAH MALAM

AKAN DATANG BENGKEL PENULISAN TENGAH MALAM 

 TERBUKA KEPADA SEMUA SAMA ADA PENULIS ATAU BAKAL PENULIS!

ORANG RAMAI JUGA DIALU ALUKAN UNTUK HADIR KE BENGKEL INI.

UNTUK MAKLUMAT LANJUT BOLEH HUBUNGI 

CIK WANI DI 01114803475

HISTORY OF PENA IN ENGLISH

(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 20^th 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.