Reimagining Cultural Identity and Cosmopolitanism: The Literary World of K.S. Maniam

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper delves into the reimagining of cultural identity through the corpus of a prominent Malaysian novelist, K.S. Maniam. By exploring Maniam’s novels within the framework of cosmopolitanism, which challenges traditional notions of exclusive and divisive cultural identities, this paper unravels the complex interplay between colonial legacies and contemporary cultural narratives in this Malaysian novelist’s canon. Maniam’s literary contributions as the finding indicates subvert historical constructs of race-based cultural identities in Malaysia, offering a compelling critique of the entrenched divisions perpetuated by colonial cultural projects. In addition, Maniam’s portrayal of characters navigates the complexities of identity beyond the rigid race-based categorizations of Malay, Chinese, and Indian found in many Malaysian works. Maniam’s works, as this paper illustrates, transcend the limitations imposed by colonial-era segregation, urging readers to incorporate a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of identity that draw parallels with the cosmopolitan ethos. We also extend the discussions further by positing that readers globally might explore Maniam’s profound reinterpretations of cultural identity, showcasing the enduring impact of his work in reshaping cultural narratives and advocating a cosmopolitan perspective on identity in our interconnected world.