Roar of the Lion in the Literary Jungles of Nusantara

Hadijah Rahmat

doi:10.37052/ml.27(1)no2

Abstract

This article highlights the connection between Malay literature in Singapore and the literature of Malaysia and other nations of Nusantara, the Malay world. It examines effects of the political separation of 9 August 1965 on Malay literature in Singapore. Has separation of almost 50 years truly severed ties between Malaysia and Singapore as far as Malay literature is concerned? Do Malay literary works reflect a divide between the cultures of Malaysia and Singapore? Is there still continuity in the spirit of a common origin? This article attempts to answer these questions through discussion on the developments in a shared literature before 1965, effects and themes of “separation” in the literary works, phases in the development of literature since 1965, as well as patterns of literary connection between Malaysia and Singapore. Keywords: Malay literature in Singapore, classical Malay literature, literary bonds, political separation, roar of the lion, jungles of Nusantara, spirit of common origin

Highlights

There is a close historical connection between Singapore and Malaysia and other countries of the Malay world, Nusantara
What were the effects of this political separation on Malay literature?
Has the political separation of almost 50 years really and truly severed the ties of Malay between Malaysia and Singapore? Has the separation resulted in Malay literature in Malaysia being more developed than that of Singapore? Does the bond of shared cultural roots still exist in works produced? Do literary works reflect a divide between the culture of the Malays of Malaysia and Singapore? Does a continuity of the spirit of common origin still remain, and if it does, what is its mould and feel?

Summary

INTRODUCTION

There is a close historical connection between Singapore and Malaysia and other countries of the Malay world, Nusantara. Singapore was once a part of Malaya/Malaysia and the Malay world. It had an important role, at least in the literature of the region. What were the effects of this political separation on Malay literature?. Has the political separation of almost 50 years really and truly severed the ties of Malay between Malaysia and Singapore? Has the separation resulted in Malay literature in Malaysia being more developed than that of Singapore? Do literary works reflect a divide between the culture of the Malays of Malaysia and Singapore? The article attempts to answer some of these questions. It consists of five parts: 1. The development of literature before 1965

A COMMON HISTORY – MALAY LITERATURE IN SINGAPORE BEFORE 1965

A Song of Hope for Singapore’s Growth

A Song of Love and Shared Dreams for the New Malaysia