Books

A flawed genius

2012-01-19T15:22:00.000+08:00

Title: Steve Jobs
Author: Walter Isaacson
Publisher: Simon and Shuster (HB, 2011, 627 pps)
Price: RM 99.90

“(Sir Alex) Ferguson’s failings are well known. He possesses a quick temper, a despotic streak, a frequent inability to see the other side of an argument and an immoderate appetite for flattery,” said the Mail on Sunday of the football coach. I had to laugh out loud. In my experience, every ‘successful’ CEO is a despot, a bully and an arsehole. And (many are) criminals as well. That’s what they don’t teach you in Harvard. What sets ‘great’ CEOs apart is their passion, knowledge of their products, and an ability to discern quality.

I have heard of individuals described in Tamil as either "camphor" brained or "banana-stem" brained. Camphor burns quickly, so people with camphor brains are quick on the uptake and learn quickly. Banana stem will only splutter, at best. (The Director General of an organisation I once worked in was a major banana stem. Returning from a management course, where they had told him he ought to try to get to know his staff better, he stood his bemused officers in a row outside his office and brusquely shook all their hands before disappearing. Scott Adam’s pointy haired boss is real!)

In Isaacson’s biography, Steve Jobs was certainly camphor brained. He was a ruthless despot, a bully, a though negotiator, a good marketer, an egomaniac, completely bipolar, cunning, spectacularly greedy, arrogant, obnoxious and rude; that is, he had enough ingredients for him to be a successful CEO. But he had more – he had a burning passion, appreciation and an understanding for technology, design and art, he was quick on the uptake, learnt quickly to differentiate what was important and what was not, and he was sensitive. Then there was his famous “reality distortion field” – his charisma, his ability to make his people do the impossible. He recognised and nurtured ‘A’ players. He had no time for ‘B’ and ‘C’ players; the bozos. (Declaration: I have been reading about Jobs and have been buying Apple products for 40 years.)

His design talents included architecture: ‘… he had the Pixar building designed to promote encounters and unplanned collaborations. “If a building doesn’t encourage that, you’ll lose a lot of innovation and the magic that’s sparkled by serendipity,” he said. “So we designed the building to make people get out of their offices and mingle in the central atrium with people they might not otherwise see.”’

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, however, does leave one somewhat dissatisfied in the end. There are interesting chapters, like his battle with Eisner in Disney for example, but also many lame ones. The first twenty years of his life is dismissed in the first 55 pages, and we really don’t learn much about his early childhood to give us a hint as to what made him tick, except that he was some sort of loveable rouge and prankster. His relationship with his adoptive parents, Paul and Clara, are quickly brushed aside. Several of Isaacson’s chapters read like, as if, written by a fan-boy. Particularly disappointing is the chapter about Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ives. How did these two ultra-sensitive individuals hit it off? What made the two tick? (Did Jobs have a spot for soft spoken Brits?)

This is not a biography worthy of Jobs, as some reviewers have said. Besides being overly fawning, it feels unfinished and rushed to the market to take advantage of the publicity following his death. It feels like an early version of Strawberry Fields Forever; in some places it still feels like an alpha. It’s like a Windows PC; gets the job done, but is bloody annoying sometimes.

Isaacson’s Steve Jobs is a thriller; fast paced and full of action. Like most thrillers, unfortunately, the pace and thrill comes at the expense of character development, and after 627 pages, we still don’t know Jobs.

Still, it is a book worth buying and owning, at least in memory of a flawed genius (is there any other kind?) of our lifetime, while we wait for meatier biographies, hopefully less infatuated with his undeniable talent. Equally, he could also be whitewashed, given a fictitious ‘Kite flying in a storm’ moment, and made a mythical being (as if we need more gods).

We’ll see.

Americana Series

2012-01-11T13:00:00.003+08:00

Title: Middlesex,
Author: Jeffrey Eugenides, 2002
Publisher: Picador (PB, 529 pages)
Price: (Please check Amazon.com for prices of different editions)

(This review was sent in by Ms Rain Che Bian, another book fiend -- the first time we met we talked for 2 hours non-stop about books, and would have gone on for another two if we hadn't been diverted by Gerard -- who is the Public Diplomacy Officer in the Embassy of the United States of America.)

“According to an ancient Chinese legend, one day in the year 2640 a.c., Princess Si Ling-Chi was sitting under a mulberry tree when a silkworm cocoon fell into her teacup. When she tried to remove it, she noticed that the cocoon had begun to unravel in the hot liquid.” Thus begins one of the first chapters of Middlesex. Jeffrey Eugenides skillfully unravels the cocoon of a family saga and flavors the story with the extraordinary and occasionally, the magical.

From a brother and sister escaping war in their home country with an incestuous marriage, to young Calliope’s pubescent struggle with her sexual identity, this is a story that traverses continents and social taboos. The ambitious book is literary without being pedantic, witty without being cynical. It is a coming of age story that travels beyond the inner journey of self-discovery. Immensely entertaining to read, Middlesex’s endearing ensemble of characters navigate gender identity issues, immigrant life in America and racial politics against the sweeping backdrop of history: the Greco-Turkish War, the 1967 Detroit Riot, desegregation, the Nation of Islam, etc.

The book is not bogged down by the weight of its rich history and multilayered context. The narrative structure builds suspense while the language provides a constant feast of comic relief. Middlesex does not engage so much with the metaphorical and metaphysical as does One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez) or dwell on the passionate and emotional as does The House of Spirits (Isabel Allende), but it will keep you tugging at the threads of the cocoon.

Middlesex won the Pulitzer Prize and Jeffrey Eugenides has just come out with a new book, The Marriage Plot, available in most KL bookstores. Middlesex is currently out of print in Malaysian bookstores, but may be purchased via Amazon.com. A copy of Middlesex is also available for loan at the Lincoln Corner at KL Library, on 1 Jalan Raja. (Membership at KL Library costs RM16/year.)

The Lincoln Corner collection is constantly refurbished, please send any recommendations for new acquisition (fiction or non-fiction) to IRCKualaLumpur@state.gov.

Saramago’s last hurrah

2012-01-03T15:00:00.002+08:00

Title: Cain
Author: Jose Saramago (Translated by Margaret Jull Costa)
Publisher: Harvill Secker (2011)
Price: RM 69.90

To say Saramago didn’t believe in God, would be an understatement. He was a life-long Communist and an atheist, and Cain, his last book that wasfirst published in 2009, a year before he died could be described as his last middle-finger salute to the old guy (whom he has made no secret of disliking).

Cain carries on where Saramago left off in his 1991 masterpiece (depending on who you ask), The Gospel According to Jesus Christ. In 1992, the Portuguese government ordered the removal of The Gospel According to Jesus Christ from the European Literary Prize's shortlist, claiming the work was religiously offensive, which is not un-understandable considering the book was about a megalomanic cruel Jewish God who, dissatisfied with being the Lord of a small tribe, wanted world domination regardless of cost in human lives and sufferings. Saramago complained about censorship and self-imposed exile to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain, where he lived until his death.

Cain is comic fantasy. It is not Saramago’s best work, but one can recognise the master's hand as he trusts, parries and teases. Not unlike a veteran footballer, he exhibits plenty of guile and trickery, but unfortunately he no longer has the legs. Still, he is funny and entertaining. Saramago starts with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden -- yes, that apple incident -- with the couples' hilarious arguments with God, but the rest of the book is told from the point of view of Cain (with deadpan naive-comic asides from the narrator) who travels throughBiblical lands and time, has a roaring affair with Lilith (my knowledge fails me here because, as far as I know Lilith was Adam's first wife, who was created at the same time and from the same earth as Adam, not from his rib, and thus refused to be subservient to men), and gets involved in the tales of Abraham and Isaac, Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife, Lot and his daughters, Noah and his sons and the Tower of Babel, getting increasingly disenchanted with his Lord’s behaviour.

This is a small book; only 160 pages. Those familiar with Saramago’s style of page long sentences, with no quote marks, no paragraphs, the use of the lower-case almost throughout, and his irreverent humour, will be proud to add this handsome volume to their collection. For newcomers, who don't mind trying something stronger than air bandung or soda-pop, I’d advice you start with Blindness: you'll either love him or hate him, but you'll not come out unscathed.

A magical mystery tour

2011-12-19T15:12:00.002+08:00

Title: 1Q84
Author: Haruki Murakami
Publisher: Harvill Secker
Price: RM91.50

As I have mentioned before, I was determined not to buy this book. First, I decided there was no way I was going to plough through a one-thousand-page tome. I am too old for that, I said. When I actually saw the book, the cheesy jacket and page design, not to mention its wrist spraining heft, it only reinforced my view. If ever there was an argument for the ebook, this is it, I told my friends.

Still, I decided to read a few pages, more to look for faults than anything else. The first paragraph got me hooked. If I was looking for bubbles coming out of throats of phoenixes, there was none. It was smooth, delicate and clean, with no aftertaste -- good translator, I said.

The taxi’s radio was tuned to a classical FM broadcast. Janáček’s Sinfonietta—probably not the ideal music to hear in a taxi caught in traffic. The middle-aged driver didn’t seem to be listening very closely, either. With his mouth clamped shut, he stared straight ahead at the endless line of cars stretching out on the elevated expressway, like a veteran fisherman standing in the bow of his boat, reading the ominous confluence of two currents. Aomame settled into the broad back seat, closed her eyes, and listened to the music.

After a few more paragraphs, I knew this is a book I am going to read -- no bubbles from throats of phoenixes, or dust motes in the streaming sunlight, nothing for me to toss it. I will not describe 1Q84 as unputdownable, given its weight, but it is certainly engaging. Told mainly from two points of view, Aomame and Tenko, the tale revolves around a literary fraud and two extremist religious cults. Its about the dividing line between fiction and fact, myth and reality; about loss, loneliness, passion and love, and ultimately, is a boy-meets-girl story. Have you heard it all before? Yes. Is it cliched? No.

I don’t want to give the plot away except to say that, after less than fifty pages into the book, I felt as if I had been mugged. The pace is steady, never hurried, and the characters are people one will recognise no matter where we live, despite (or perhaps, because of) the surrealism that surrounds them. The plot gets quite intense in places -- there was one point where I had to drop the book and walk away, breathless, only to return after several minutes. (But that might only be me; it has happened before; maybe I get too involved in the narrative.) And there is the music. Murakami loves music and it shows.

Some of the magic realism and fantasy elements in the story could be unsettling to some, leaving the reader to wonder if they are parables, or merely affectations of the author. Is he trying to emphasise the power of the myth, of the written word that anything once written assumes its own life and continues to live on its own, that people will believe anything, or is it a commentary on religion? The intelligent reader will have plenty to think about. Others will be rewarded with a good story.

1Q84 is not without faults. The pace of the first two books is different from the third, which is more languid, but that’s not its worst fault. Apart from the cheesy design mentioned above, the first book feels under-edited and hurried. Fortunately, Murakami is a genius and that shines through. Under lesser authors, this would have been disastrous.

Read this book. Do not be intimidated by its size.

Changes to the ‘Books’ page

2011-12-19T14:51:00.001+08:00

We will no longer be featuring new Malaysian books on this page (the old posts will remain); they will be moved to the our ‘Home’ page. The publishing industry in Malaysia is facing a mini boom; we are now receiving new titles at the bookstore about two or three times a week. As such, our ‘once a month’ update is not longer relevant, and we find ourselves dropping some books due to space constraints.

Our ‘Home‘ page displays dynamic content (sorry for the jargon), which means that it will be updated every time we add a new book to the database, possibly two or three times a week, with links directly to our online bookstore. So, anyone sending us a book should see it featured right on the front page of our website within twenty-four hours (unless we receive too many titles at one time).

The ‘old‘ book page will be used for reviews. We will start with books we are reading at Silverfish currently, and then spread out to feature good reviews from readers who’d like to share something good they’ve read. If one reads the news these days, one would be forgiven for thinking that the book is dead. Fortunately, its demise has been greatly exaggerated. In the last month, in Silverfish, we have read four books -- 1Q84 by Murakami, Cain by Saramago, Steve Jobs by Isaacson and Encounters by Kundera, and we have plenty to write about.

The other pages will be updated throughout the month as well, with the monthly Silverfish newsletter carrying a summary for those on our mailing list. It’s an experiment.

Children's art

2011-12-01T14:28:00.001+08:00

The Malaysian Art Book for Children by Rahel Joseph & Jo Kukathas (RM 64.95)

Can a washing line be considered art? Why did Ibrahim Hussein paint a portraits of his father with an astronaut? What are Yee I-Lann's kerbau staring at? Where is everyone going in Wong Hoy Cheong's Boats? Why does Syed Ahmad Jamal portray Gunung Ledang as a blue and green triangle?

The Malaysian Art Book for Children features some of Malaysia's most exciting artists and is a perfect introduction for all those encountering Malaysian contemporary art for the first time.

Written in a fun and accessible way, the book has been designed to encourage creativity and critical thinking in children, through the fascinating world of art. Ideal for use at home or in the classroom, the book also includes suggested activities that children could do on their own or with the supervision of a parent or teacher.

For children of all ages from here, there and everywhere.

Other new titles:
1) Sikhs in Southeast Asia: Negotiating an Identity eited by Shamsul AB & Arunajeet Kaur (RM 100.00)
2) Domination and Contestation: Muslim Bumiputera Politics in Sarawak by Faisal S Hazis (RM 150.00)
3) Sun Yat-Sen: Nanyang and the 1911 Revoluion edited by Lee Lai To & Lee Hock Guan (RM 100.00)
4) Dare to Dream by Tan Sri Radin Soenarno (RM 30.00)
5) PRU 13, UMNO Tumpas? by Zainal Abidin Ahmad (RM 20.00)
6) Memoir Perjuangan Politik Syed Husin Ali (RM 38.00)
7) The Pinang Peranakan Mansion by Chan Suan Choo (RM 85.00)
8) Sex, Stage & State by Ann Lee , Shahimah (Charmaine W) Idris , Sue Ingleton , Jo Kukathas & Foo May Lyn (RM 70.00)
9) Rabun (DVD) by Yasmin Ahmad (RM 20.00)

Piracy and plunder, silat and sorcery

2011-11-01T16:20:00.001+08:00

The Beruas Prophecy by Iskandar Al-Bakri (RM 30.00)

20 Aug 1824, Robert Fullerton has just been appointed the Governor of the Prince of Wales Island (Penang) under the British administration in India. He is intent on intervening in the affairs of Perak, which is under the influence of Siam, despite reservations of the Colonial Office in London. To achieve his end of persuading Perak to accept a British Resident for 'protection', but primarily to gain access to its riches, Fullerton condones privateering, the escalation of piracy in the waters of the state.

The story trails the dark history of the Malay Peninsula involving, politically influential, Malay secret societies during this period, Indera Sakti was formed in the sixteenth century, after the defeat of the Malaccan army by the Portuguese, by soldiers who vowed to take back the entire peninsula, but currently consists of "sadistic reptiles who are assassins, pirates and other undesireables." Darul Kubra, another society, was formed to protect the treasures of Malik Al-Mansur, the ruler of Beruas who abandoned the city and fled from the advancing Portuguese.

This is a historical fiction, a swashbuckling tale of silat and sorcery, piracy and plunder. And Magic.

Other new titles:
1) Mengharungi Titik Noktah by Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim (RM 30.00)
2) Zombijaya by Adib Zaini (RM 20.00)
3) Menyapu Sampah ke Bawah Tikar by Pusat KOMAS (RM 10.00)
4) Aku Bangsa Malaysia by Pusat KOMAS (RM 10.00)
5) Policing Sexuality: Sex Society and the State by Julian C.H. Lee (RM48.00)
6) 60 Tahun Ekonomi Pasaran Sosial by Christian L Glossner & David Gregosz (RM32.00)
7) Reformasi Pendidikan di Malaysia: Merentas Jalan Baru by Al-Mustaqeem Mahmod Radhi & Sri Murniati (RM22.00)
8) Kata-Kata Pengubah Dunia: Kumpulan Pidato Tokoh-Tokoh Besar by Al-Mustaqeem Mahmod Radhi (RM26.00)
9) Pemanasan Global & Perubahan Iklim by Noor Amin Ahmad (RM 18.00)
10) Hitamputih: Catatan dan Pesanan (Book + CD) by Taj Addin (RM30.00)
11) Freedom Film Fest 2011 (DVD) (RM 15.00)
12) Bangsa Malaysia COmpilation 2011 (DVD) (RM 10.00)

A turtle tale

2011-09-30T16:43:00.001+08:00

Puteri Tioman The Green Turtle by Rossiti Aishah Rashidi (RM 32.00)

Around the island of Tioman, in the deep blue sea, is a beautiful green turtle. Her name is Puteri Tioman and this is her story.

Puteri Tioman The Green Turtle is both a story and a guidebook about the threats turtles face in order to survive and what we can do to help.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1) Amerika by Ridhwan Saidi (RM 25.00)
2) Sini Sana: Travels in Malaysia edited by Tom Sykes & Tam May Lee (RM 35.90)
3) Nurul Asyikin by Aloy Paradoks (RM 20.00)
4) Catatan Pengingat Buat Kawan dan Lawan (RM 30.00)
5) Jerat by Dayang Noor (RM 20.00)
6) Ngeri by Gina Yap Lai Yoong (RM 16.00)
7) The Ecokids and the Paper Problem by Fay Khoo & Asha Gill (RM 10.00)
8) Found in Malaysia Vol 2 (RM 50.00)
9) Memahat Lekukan Sejarah: Sebuah Travelog BERSIH 2.0 edited by Riduan Mohamad Nor (RM 18.00)
10) RESET: Menimbang Kembali Paradigma Politik Malaysia by Suflan Shamsuddin (RM 30.00)
11) Patriots & Pretenders: The Malayan Peoples' Independence Struggle by Kua Kia Soong (RM28.00)
12) An Uncommon Hero: M.K. Rajakumar in Politics and Medicine by Tan Pek Leng (RM 70.00)
13) 9 July 2011 What really Happened edited by Nathaniel Tan (RM 30.00)
14) Ipoh, My Home Town Edited by Commander Ian Anderson (RM 100.00)
15) Legacy Cook Book by Sarawak Eurasian Association (RM 88.00)

Of lovers and ghosts

2011-09-06T15:13:00.001+08:00

Growing Up with Ghosts -- by Bernice Chauly (Matahari Books, RM40.00)

She is Chinese, he is Punjabi. It is 1966. Loh Siew Yoke and Surinder Singh fall in love and marry but face opposition from their families. Their first child brings peace, but tragedy soon strikes.

Haunted by the untimely death of her father, Malaysian writer Bernice Chauly embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery surrounding a curse that is thought to have plagued her family. She traces a hundred years of her family history to Fatshan, China and Verka, India to recount and relive her ancestors’ lives against the histories of India, China, Singapore and Malaya. Through prose, letters and journals in different voices, the author creates a layered portrait of how two families traversed time to collide through love and death.

Growing up with Ghosts is a moving memoir of the author coming to terms with grief, history and bloodlines.

Other new malaysian books on the shelf:

Tulip in the Desert
The 4 Pillars of Islam
Bahasa melayu Bahasa Dunia
Cheng Ho Muslim Tionghua
Musium Negara
Malaysian Youth in Global World
Yes, Jom Ubah
Modern Muslim Identities

DUKE

2011-08-03T12:46:00.001+08:00

DUKE by Rozlan Mohd Noor -- Silverfish Books (RM35.00)

Another Inspector Mislan mystery in which he solves the twin DUKExpressway Murders, by the author of 21 Immortals.

Here is a synopsis:

A married man and his young woman companion, whom he is planning to marry in Thailand shortly, are found dead in a car locked from the inside, with gunshot wounds, during Ramadan, on the DUKExpressway leading out of the city. It looks like an obvious case of murder-cum-suicide to all but Inspector Mislan, who is surprised by the amount of political interference and pressure he gets to close the case quickly, and at the attempts to frame him up for the fall.

Another great Malaysian crime novel by Rozlan Mohd Noor, with an ending that will surprise even the most ardent fan of the genre.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1) Selangor: 300 Early Postcards by Cheah Jin Seng (RM 99.00)
2) Perak: 300 Early Postcards by Cheah Jin Seng (RM 99.00)
3) Heritage Trees of Penang by Simon Gardner, Pindar Sidisunthorn & Lai Ee May (RM 100.00)
4) The Tiger That Lost Its Roar: A tale of Malaysia'a political economy by Tony Pua (RM 30.00)
5) Pada Sebuah Ketentuan: Puisi dan Catatan Ayam Fared (RM 20.00)
6) Maaf Tuan Speaker, Saya Tidak Dapat Menyokong: Sebuah analisis alternatif oleh Jeyakumar Devaraj (RM 10.00)
7) Indian Transmigrants: Malaysian and Comparative Essays by Ravindra K Jain (RM35.00)
8) A Rainbow Feast : New Asian Short Stories edited by Mohammad A Quayum (RM 59.90)
9) Catatan by Latiff Mohidin (RM 36.00)

Portraits of Penang

2011-06-04T11:49:00.003+08:00

Portraits of Penang: Little India by Ooi Cheng Ghee (Areca Books) - RM 100.00

In 1979 Ooi Cheng Ghee spent a year exploring the streets of Little India, Penang with a particular way of seeing and his trusted Leica camera. It was not only a journey of discovery but a kind a conversation with the diverse community that inhabited the enclave. Juxtaposing people and streetscapes, his images capture the essence and dynamism of a singular place. With accompanying essays and commentaries on the photographs, this beautifully designed volume both documents and celebrates Little India with affection and humanity.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1. Bawang Merah Bawang Putih by Mohamad Salmi (RM 12.90)
2. The Princess of Mount Ledang by Mohamad Salmi (RM 12.90)
3. Poor Pak Kaduk by Mohamad Salmi (RM 12.90)
4. The Unfortunate Lebai by Mohamad Salmi (RM 12.90)
5. A Map of Trengganu by Awang Goneng (RM 35.90)
6. Someone Had to Say It by Tunku Abdul Aziz (RM 40.00)
7. Brave Hearts - Pickthall and Philby : Two English Muslims in a Changing World by Abd Karim A Bakar, Daniel Perret and Mohd Azmi Mohd Yusof (RM 12.00)
8. Sejarawan dan Persejarahan Melayu: Tradisi & Transformasi by Muhd Yusof Ibrahim (RM 25.00)
9. Malaysia Milik Kita Bersama: Perjuangan 45 Tahun Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP) by Wan Hamidi Hamid (RM 15.00)
10. Malacca : A Romance by Kamsiah M Bostock (RM 28.00)
11. Tertangkapnya Sa-Ekor Toyo: Surat dari Teoh Beng Hock by Hishamuddin Rais (RM 23.00)
12. Selat Melaka di Persimpangan Asia: Artikel Pilihan Daripada Majalah Archipel, translated by Daniel Perret and edited by Abd Karim A Bakar &Mohd Azmi Mohd Yusof (RM 23.00)
13. Where is My Ball? by Yusof Gajah (RM29.90)
14.Longhouse Days (Book + DVD) by Jainal Amambing (RM 29.90)
15. The Wonderful Sparrow by Jainal Amambing (RM 20.00)
16. The Magic Buffaloby Jainal Amambing (RM 20.00)
17. How Tiffy Found a Home by George Jacobs & Loh Wan Inn (RM 5.00)
18. Elephebet Amazing Activity Book by Yusof Gajah (RM 14.90)
19. Land Below the Wind by Awang Fadilah (RM 20.00)
20. 60 Tahun Islam Dibawah UNMO-BN: Terbelakah Islam? by Ahmad Henry (RM 16.50)
21. Fringe Benefits: Essays and Reflections on Malaysian Arts and Cinema by Benjamin McKay (RM 40.00)
22. Consumer Power: Anytime, Anywhere, Anyone by Anwar Fazal (RM 28.00)
23. Berubah Untuk Malaysia Baru by Rizuan Rahman (RM 10.00)
24. Folklore of the Holy Land: Muslim, Christian and Jewish by J.E. Hanauer (RM 45.00)
25. Dendam by Affifudin Omar (RM 20.00

Stories of Lies, Loves and Lives

2011-04-30T17:56:00.007+08:00

The Female Cell by Rumaizah Abu Bakar (Silverfish Books) RM30.00

20 stories (all previously unpublished) by Rumaizah Abu Bakar in her first book that display an acute sense of observation, with humour and irony but without prejudice or pandering, in minimalist sketches with an uncanny knack for suggesting danger in even the most mundane. If you have read her initial works in the News From Home anthology, see how she has matured.

Rumaizah's stories are unpretentious and delightful. These short vignettes of human emotions and interactions are perfect for that rainy afternoon, accompanied by tea and biscuits. These stories have light in them.
-- Dina Zaman, author of I am Muslim --

Whether she is describing the kaleidoscopic panorama of Kuala Lumpur, or the prickly solitude of a traveller in Turkey, Rumaizah demonstrates a generous capacity for observation. A quietly assured debut collection.
-- Alfian Sa'at, writer, poet and playwright --

More new Malaysian on the shelf

1. Kougar by Shaz Johar (RM20.00)
2. Pecah by Khairulnizam (RM20.00)
3. Cekik by Ridhwan Saidi (RM18.00)
4. The Lion City by Mohamad Salmi (RM12.90)
5. the Legend of the Two Princesses by Mohamad Salmi (RM12.90)
6. The Curse of Mahsuri by Mohamad Salmi (RM12.90)
7. Understanding Dewan Bahasa by Deboraqh loh & jaquueline Ann Surin (RM95.00)
8. Miyah and the Forest Demon by Tutu Dutta-Yean (RM19.90)
9. Reformasi Pembiayaan Politik by TRansparency International (RM30.00)
10. Minda Tertawan by Raja Ahmad Aminillah (RM23.00)
11. Did it Really Happen by Shaari Isa (RM 29.90)

History of Pahang

2011-04-04T17:42:00.000+08:00

From Inderapura to Darul Makmur: A Deconstructive History of Pahang (Price: RM40.00)
Publisher: Silverfish books
Author: Farish A Noor

To write a history of a state like Pahang today requires us to go back to the history of the land and its peoples before the emergence of a political entity that would be named Pahang. While doing so, the historian cannot neglect the fact that before the Malay polities that emerged from the 15th century onwards, there were other sociopolitical systems present in the peninsula, including the indigenous peoples known as the Orang Asli.

Writing the history of the Orang Asli of the Malaysian peninsula is a task fraught with discursive and political complications. For a start, the term 'the Malay Peninsula' is itself troublesome because it came into used only during the colonial era and has since become an ideologically loaded signifier, bringing with it a host of essentialist assumptions and primodial historical claims. It has to be emphasised that a history of the Malaysian peninsula has to begin with the recognition that it has always been a fluid, open territory inhibited by a myriad people, with a complexity that resist any attempt at closure and compartmentalisation.

-- 1. Belonging before naming: A look at the society that existed before 'Pahang'

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf

1. Rojak Fakta Malaysia -- ZI Publication (RM30.00)
2. Rojak: hidangan Certot -- Amir Muhammad (RM22.00)
3. Teology -- Patrick Teoh (RM38.00)
4. Abiding times -- Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Muhriz (RM39.90)
5. Penang at War -- Andrew Barber (RM85.00)
6. Perfect Love and other storuies -- Peter Achutha (RM30.00)
7. Apa ada dengan Liberalisme - Faisal Mustaffa (RM5.00)
8. Liku-liku Reformasi -- Tricia Yeoh (RM30.00)
9. Menerjang Badai -- Riduan Mohamad Nor (RM20.00)
10. A Doctor in the House -- Mahathir bin Mohammad (RM100.00)

Readings from readings

2011-03-04T17:24:00.003+08:00

Readings from Readings by Bernice Chauley and Sharon Bakar (eds) -- Word Works (RM29.90)

An indonesian man is swept out to sea by the tsunami and encounters a floating tree filled with naked girls; a cat is successful in his application to become head of a government department; and a senior demon writes a progress report for his master on the state of the country. Elsewhere, characters struggle to make sense of mysterious events: a hungry student finds a clutch of eggs left on the doorstep; a child receives paintings of herself on her birthday each year from her absent father; an elderly uncfle claims the moon-shaped scars on his ear lobes are of supernatural provenance. There are pieces here about longing and loss, quilt and betrayal, and the struggle to stay afloat in difficult relationships. Anf of course about how it feels to return home.

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf:

1. March 8 -- Time for real change -- Kee Thuan Chye (RM39.90)
2. Memoir Tragedi Memali -- Riduan Mohammad Nor, CN Afghani (RM20.00)
3. malaysian Studies -- Abdul Rahman Embong ((RM30.00)
4. The history of the Quranic text -- MM Al Azami (RM69.00)
5. Quranic Exegisis -- Rashid Ahmad Jullundhry (RM29.00)
6. Islamic Thought and Life -- Seyyed Hossein nasr (RM39.00)
7. Perspective Perlembagaan -- Abdul Aziz Bari (RM40.00)
9. Punggok Rindukkan Bulan (DVD) -- (RM20.00)

Fluid World

2011-02-07T17:38:00.002+08:00

Fluid World by Yee I-Lann -- Rogue Art (RM120.00)

Born in Sabah in 1971, Malaysian artist Yee I-Lann has gained recognition both locally and internationally for her distinctive work as a multi-disciplinary artist, and the stories her art has to tell about Malaysia, Southeast Asia and the cross-cultural nature of the world we all inhabit. Her practice seeks resonances across history, landscape, memory and cultural identity. Her visual vocabulary is extensive—drawn from historical references, popular culture, urban landscapes, archives and everyday objects. Working primarily with photographic media, she handles this vocabulary with deft virtuosity, creating work that is at once poignant, poetic, humorous and engaged.

Fluid World seeks to chart the development of this artist’s practice over the past fifteen years of her career, documenting major works and series of works across this period, while exploring the context of the medium and the subject matter the artist engages with. It weaves together the compelling narratives she has constructed into a larger pictorial story, offering insight into her processes, thinking and research through artist statements and notes.

Other New Malaysian Books on the shelf:
1. Perak: A state of Crisis (edited) by Audrey Quay (RM45.00)
2. Reclaiming the conversation (edited) by Rosnani Hashim (RM20.00)
3. The Orang Asli and the UNDRIP by Colin Nicholas, Jenita Engi, Teh Yen Ping (RM45.00)

Leaves of the Same Tree

2011-01-04T18:14:00.002+08:00

Leaves of the Same Tree ( Trade and Ethnicity in the Straits of Melaka ) by Leonard Y. Andaya -- RM55.00

Despite the existence of about a thousand ethnolinguistic groups in Southeast Asia, very few historians of the region have engaged the complex issue of ethnicity. Leaves of the Same Tree illustrates how historians can use it both as an analytical tool and as a subject of analysis to add further depth to understanding of Southeast Asian pasts. The Straits of Melaka offers an ideal testing ground for understanding the process of ethnic formation, and the author examines ethnic groups along the straits to document the manner in which they responded to the vicissitudes of the international marketplace.

Earliest and most important were the Malayu (Malays), whose dominance in turn contributed to the "ethnicization" of other groups in the straits. By deliberately politicizing differences within their own ethnic community, the Malayu encouraged the emergence of new ethnic categories, such as the Minangkabau, the Acehnese, and, to a lesser extent, the Batak.

Leaves of the Same Tree demostrates how problematizing ethnicity can offer a more nuanced view of ethnic relations in a region that boasts one of the greatest diversities of language and culture in the world. Creative and challenging, the book uncovers many new questions that promise to revitalize and reorient the historiography of Southeast Asia.

Other new Malaysian titles

1. Muslims and Matriachs by Jeffrey Hadler -- RM48.00
2. The Singapore and Melaka Straits by Peter Borschberg -- RM65.00
3. Transforming Brickfields by Richard Baxstrom -- RM55.00
4. Chinese Business in the Making of the Malay State, 1882-1941 by Wu Xiao An -- RM48.00

Islam in Malaysia

2010-12-02T17:32:00.001+08:00

Islam in Malaysia by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (Matahari books, 2010) RM40.00

While still in his 30s, Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, former Mufti of Perlis, earned a reputation as a popular, and sometimes controversial, public intellectual on the subject of Islam in Malaysia.

This collection of his articles seeks to identify and celebrate the true Islamic essence of simplicity, rationality and justice; and to separate it from superstition, prejudice and taklid (blind adherence) to self- serving 'religious' leaders.

Told in a forthright style, but spiced with wit and contemporary allusions, it takes many examples from the Quran and Sunnah to show that it is up to Muslims to rescue their faith from being dominated merely by reactionary and conservative forces.

Among the subjects in this book:
* Are music and entertainment allowed in Islam?
* Why must long-distance bus drivers be discouraged from fasting?
* Are non-Muslims allowed to enter mosques?
* Did the Prophet Nuh pass to us a recipe for porridge?
* Why are some P. Ramlee lyrics more Islamic than contemporary nasyid songs?

New Malaysian books (there are too many to list all), here is a sample:

1. My Mothers Garden by Emila Yusuf (dRam pRojects, Book Haven) RM33.90
2. Buster makes a friend by Peter Worthington (Oyez Books) RM28.00
3.Elephabet by Yusof Gajah (Gajah) RM48.00
4. Mother and Child by Yusof Gajah (Gajah) RM48.00
5. The Real Elephant by Yusof Gajah (Gajah) RM33.90
6.Payah by Margaret HL Lim (Fairy Bird) RM24.00
7. Overcoming Corruption by Betrand de Speville (RAFSA) RM30.00
8. Freedom Film Fest 2010 (DVD) RM15.00
9. The Malaysian Indian Dilemma by Janaky Raman, 2nd Edition. (Revised prices) . HB39.90, PB29.90
10. Borneo Tom by Tom McLaughlin (Borneo Tom) RM 50.00
11.Nyaman Sipudding Roti by Cikha Sidinaali (Sang Freud Press)
12. Second Coming by E Manu Eel (CD) RM25.00

WORKING by Rogue Art

2010-11-02T16:21:00.001+08:00

WORKING published by Rogue Art (RM 250.00)

(Spiral bound, with slip case)

WORKING is a book about the different ways in which artists create. This book focuses on the process of making art through a series of photographs and interviews with 10 leading Malaysian contemporary artists about their creative processes and their relationship with their working environments.

The 10 artists are:
Ahmad Fuad Osman
Ahmad Shukri Mohamed
Ahmad Zakii Anwar
Chong Siew Ying
Hamir Soib
Jalaini Abu Hassan
Kow Leong Kiang
Raja Shahriman Raja Aziddin
Ramlan Abdullah
Yee I-Lann

with photography by Tara Sosrowardoyo

Other new Malaysian titles:

1) Between UMNO and a Hard Place by Ooi Kee Beng (RM 25.00)
2) Orang Macam Kita edited by Azwan Ismail & Diana Dirani (RM 20.00)
3) Nota-Nota Gila by Mohd Jayzuan (RM 15.00)
4) The Road to Reform: Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor edited by Tricia Yeoh (RM 40.00)
5) Islam in Malaysia: Perceptions & Facts by Mohd asri Zainul Abidin (RM 40.00)
6) Liberalisme: Pengenalan ringkas dalam lakaran & gambar edited by Al-Mustaqeem M Radhi & Sri Murniati (RM15)
7) Malaysia-Lah: Himpunan Analisa Terpilih Kaki Lepak edited by Haris Zuan (RM 22.00)
8) The Education of Ethnic Minorities: The Case of the Malaysian Chinese by Tan Yao Sua and R. Santhiram (RM 25.00)
9) The Man from Borneo: An Autobiography by Brother Michael Jacques (RM 50.00)
10) Cartoon-O-Phobia by Zunar (RM 25.00)
11) Walk Along the Tracks by L.A. Vincent (RM 46.90)
12) YogInspired by Karen Kow (Paperback - RM 49.90, Hardback – RM 79.90)
13) Malaysia's Foreign Policy: The First Fifty Years by Johan Saravanamuttu (RM 69.00)
14) Nostalgia Bonda: Reminiscing Mum's Love by Kamariah Jamaludin (RM 49.90)

Silverfish Pulp Fiction

2010-09-17T17:27:00.002+08:00

21 Immortals: Inspector Mislan and the Yee Sang Murders
Author:
Rozlan Mohd Noor

21 Immortals: Inspector Mislan and the Yee Sang Murders is an explosive debut from the quietly talented Rozlan Mohd Noor, an ex-police officer, which explains why he knows so much about police work and inside stories. This is a true Malaysian high-tech crime thriller with good cops, bad cops (and badder cops) and triad members, with insights into the workings of the local CSI, and forays into the world of hackers and their viruses, sleeper programs, trojans, ulat, spybots, hound dogs and their link to crime, including murder.

"Look, I don't care what happened in ninety-five. I have a murder to solve. Right now, you and Fatty Mah have motives. Maybe you and Fatty didn't do it. Maybe the two of you did, or contracted it out. Either way, I'm going to find out," the inspector says firmly, having reached the limit of his patience, annoyed with Four Finger's attitude.

"You have a hearing problem, meh? I told you it's not our style. We don't do families and children," Four Finger Loo replies, equally irritated.

"As you said, that was how it used to be, but not anymore. Maybe, you used non-triad methods to throw us off the track. How's that for a theory? To me, payback is a damn good motive to kill," Mislan replies, watching the retired Tiger General's face closely for giveaways signs.

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf:
1. Sultan pun Blog by Muzaffar 'SM' Mustapa
2. A Year in the Life of a Country by Leslie Lau.

Poetry by Cecil Rajendra

2010-09-02T15:09:00.001+08:00

Parables, Prophets & Pillocks by Cecil Rajendra

This is Cecil Rajendra’s 20th collection of poetry and marks over 40 years of creative writing.

There are not many poets who can attempt subjects like this, and succeed as often - and as brilliantly - as Cercil Rajendra does. When we find such poets we should cherish them.
- Burton Raffel
Distinguished Professor of English, University of Louisiana, USA

That rare combination of 'dreaming poet' and 'man of Action' whose poetry has the capacity to reach the parts that reason, argument and even television programmes fail to touch.
- Alec Gilmore
University of Sussex, UK

Magic!
- Brendan Keneally
Prof of Modern Literature , Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.

Malay movies

2010-08-17T11:40:00.002+08:00

120 Malay Movies by Author by Amir Muhammad -- Matahari Books -- RM 60.00 (HB)

120 Malay Movies is a romp through the films that were made in Singapore and then in Kuala Lumpur from 1948 to 1972. (120 represents about a third of all Malay-language films during that period, and this book features most of the famous titles as well as some overlooked gems.) Malaysian writer and filmmaker Amir Muhammad watched them in chronological order and responds to the stories in his own contemporary context. How was the world depicted in those films different from the one we live in today? This book is a serio-comic interrogation into how the iconic fantasies of the past might have unexpected reverberations in the present.

This edition will not be sold at the major chains. It will be available only through indendents or through direct purchace.

Other new Malaysian books/DVDs

1. Menuju PAS Baru -- Mujahid Yusuf -- RM20.00 (PB)
2. Sweeping Dirt Under the Carpet -- Komas -- RM20.00 (PB)
3. Parables, Prophets and Pillocks -- Cecil Rajendra - RM45.00 (HB)
4. Selepas Tsunami -- Anna Har -- RM10.00 (DVD)
5. Freedom Film Fest 2009 -- Komas -- RM20.00 (DVD)

Jolly Hangman

2010-08-02T16:33:00.002+08:00

Once a Jolly Hangman (Singapore Justice in the Dock) Author: Alan Shadrake. Price RM38.00

(This is not about Malaysia, but the books having a spot of trouble in Singapore now.)

Over the past few decades, investigative journalism has come to mean the kind of brave reporting that exposes injustice, wrongdoing and, above all, the abuse of power. Alan Shadrake’s hard-hitting new book cuts through the façade of official silence to reveal disturbing truths about Singapore’s use of the death penalty. From in-depth interviews with Darshan Singh, Singapore’s chief executioner for nearly fifty years, to meticulously researched accounts of numerous high profile cases, Once a Jolly Hangman reveals the cruelty and imprudence of an entire judicial system. At the same time he displays a touching empathy with the anguish of the victims and their families. This important book should be required reading for human rights activists everywhere.

‘Alan Shadrake’s book, Once a Jolly Hangman, is a timely contribution to growing criticism of Singapore’s shameful use of the death penalty’ -- Margaret John, Amnesty International Canada.

Alan Shadrake is a renowned veteran investigative journalist and author whose 50-year career has taken him around the world. His first major book The Yellow Pimpernels told the escape stories across the Berlin Wall and was the subject of a BBC documentary. Subsequent publications have delved into a variety of subjects including an expose of life in a Soviet gulag, the story of the boy poisoner Graham Young and, with Linda Lee, The Life and Tragic Death of Bruce Lee. His appetite for unearthing the facts and presenting unpalatable truths remains undiminished. He divides his time between Britain and Malaysia.

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf

1. Karpal Singh: true Malaysian
2. Lim Lian Geok: Soul of the Malaysian Chinese

More children's book

2010-07-17T17:21:00.000+08:00

The Miserable Moon
Author: Wong Ching Hsia, Illustrated by Tan Vay Fern

Mr Moon is miserable because he has no one to play with when everyone goes to sleep at night. Read more to find out how Mr Moon overcame his loneliness with a little help from some friends! Parents will love this book for its colourful illustrations and nibblets of ‘Fun Facts'. A perfect little gift for children who like to learn new things!

Other books in the series:
1. The Zany Zebra
2. The Ugly Green Umbrella
3. The Terribly Tall Triangle
4. The Xenophobic Xylophone

Rock n Roll Journal.

2010-07-01T11:37:00.001+08:00

28 Hari: Jurnal Rock N Roll by Mohd Jayzuan

Tahun lepas, 23 Jun 2009, saya memulakan kembara selama 28 hari menggelilingi Semenanjung Malaysia. Tak berduit, jiwa kalut dan otak berserabut.
Tahun ini, 23 Jun 2010, saya ada buku bertajuk '28 Hari: Jurnal Rock n' Roll' yang mengisahkan tentang kembara tersebut. Alhamdulillah, berduit, jiwa tak bergelora dan otak tenang.

What others say:

Satu garapan segar dari angkatan bakat muda masakini -- Tembakau (cartoonist)

Absorbs all his knowledge like a sponge and indirectly squeezes our all his wisdom for us to read. This is genuine writing, a soul speaks out for a soul -- Natasha Hudson (Actress and model).

Jay mesti terus menulis, sehinggalah gagal sebagai penulis! -- Rahmat Haron (poet)

Other new books on the shelf:
1. Days of Change -- Cheah Guat Eng (Hologram)
2. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation ... -- Various (Lestari)
3.Water for Life ... -- Various (Lestari)
4. Towards a Malaysian System of Managing Chemicals -- Various (Lestari)
5. The life in Writing: Syed Hussain Alatas -- Mastura Alatas (Marshall Cavendish)
6. Deep in the Jungle -- Liu Jun (Liu Jun Studio)
7. Geological Heritage of Malaysia -- Various (Lestari)

Without ikan bilis

2010-06-17T15:51:00.002+08:00

Without Anchovies by Chua Kok Yee

"... In my thirty years of teaching, I have seen many of my former students grow up and take on unexpected roles in life; star athletes have ended up working as illegal car jockeys, mediocre students have become millionaires, and perfectly decent boys are now politicians."
as said by Cikgu Preetam in Perfect Prefect

Heart-rending, hilarious, irreverent, fantastical, macabre and one hundred per cent Malaysian, all at the same time, these twenty-two stories by Chua Kok Yee explore what it is like to live in this bizarre country. And the message is all about hope. These are stories of Malaysian, by a Malaysian, for Malaysians. No apologies asked for, or given.

Chua Kok Yee is an old-fashioned yarn-spinner with a thoroughly modern sensibility, and many of the tales in Without Anchovies would make great short films.

Amir Muhammad
Writer and independent filmmaker

Other new Malaysian books:
1. Rojak by Amir Muhammad
2. Tapai by Hishamuddin Rais

Islamization and Activism in Malaysia

2010-06-02T11:14:00.000+08:00

Islamization and Activism in Malaysia by Julian C.H. Lee

Islamization and Activism in Malaysia examines aspects of the increasing political and social profile of Islam in Malaysia and describes how different kinds of activists in Malaysia have sought to protect fundamental liberties and to improve the state of democracy in Malaysia. In particular, focus is paid to activists who engage with electoral process, the law and the public sphere, and in particular, to movements that cut across or combine these realms of action. Spanning the period of the Prime Ministership of Abdullah Badawi, Julian C.H. Lee's grounded analysis examines the most important issues of that period including the freedom of religion case of Lina Joy, the Islamic state debate, and events surrounding the 8 March 2008 general elections.

Other new books on the shelf:
1. Borneo and Beyond by Peter Eaton
2. Corruption is my Name by Don Patrick

(All these books are available from our online bookshop.)

Penang German Community

2010-05-15T15:20:00.000+08:00

More Than Merchants ( A History of the German-speaking Community in Penang 1800s-1940s ) by Khoo Salma Nasution (Areca Books, RM60.00)

One hundred years ago, the port of Penang attracted German and Swiss traders to make their fortunes here. This mercantile community had their own German club, beautiful suburban residences and prominent trading offices along the harbour front.

They made immense contributions to public life, engineering, architecture, photography and postcard publishing in this part of British Malaya, and unduly influenced Anglo-Siamese politics in Southern Thailand.

The S.M.S. Emden’s daring raid on the Penang harbour during the First World War is often recounted, but less well known is the fact that Penang served as a secret U-boat base during the Second World War.

More Than Merchants relates the social history of the German-speaking community in Penang through the stories of individuals, families and companies. Also featured are famous visitors to Penang such as Karl May, Count Friedrich M. von Hochberg, Hans Sturzenegger and Herman Hesse.

Stamford Raffles

2010-05-01T16:01:00.000+08:00

In the Footsteps of Stamford Raffles by Nigel Barley (RM 39.90)

Stamford Raffles is that rarest of things — a colonial figure who is forgotten at home but still remembered with affection abroad.

Born into genteel poverty in 1781, he joined the East India Company at the age of fourteen and worked his way up to become Lieutenant Governor of Java when the British seized that island for some five years in 1811. There he fell in love with all things Javanese and vaunted it as a place of civilization as he discovered himself as a man of science as well as commerce. A humane and ever-curious figure, his administration was a period of energetic reform and boisterous research that culminated in his History of Java in 1817 and it remains the starting-point of all subsequent studies of Indonesian culture.

Personal tragedy and ill-health stalked his final years in the East. Yet, though dying at the early age of 44 and dogged by the hostility of lesser men, he would still find time to found the city-state of Singapore and guide it through its first dangerous years. Here, mythologised by the British and demonised by the Dutch, he is more than a remote founding father and remains a charter for its independence and its enduring values.

In this intriguing book, part history, part travelogue, Nigel Barley re-visits the places that were important in the life of Stamford Raffles and evaluates his heritage in an account that is both humorous and insightful.

Other new Malaysian titles (we received over 30 new titles this week, but we are listing only ten.):

1. Three Thousang Miles to Freedom by Brig MM Pillai, MC (RM 45.00)
2. Metafizik & Kosmopolitanisme (RM 25.00)
3. Apa itu Pencerahan? (RM 15.00)
4. Tiada Paksaan dalam Agama (RM 25.00)
5. Gelombang Kebangkitan Asia (RM 20.00)
6. Nathan Yang Bijak (RM 35.00)
7. Polemik Islam & Dasar Pemerintahan (RM 25.00)
8. Islam & Dasar Pemerintahan (RM 20.00)
9. Menuju Reformasi Rerundingan Islam (RM 35.00)
10.Pengalaman Bertuhan (RM 10.00)

2010-04-17T16:17:00.000+08:00

IB: A Life ( The Autobiography of Ibrahim Hussein ) -- Pusaka (RM50.00)

"Art makes you realise the beauty of life itself. It is never about the destination but the journey, and you must enjoy the journey for once you reach the end, that is all there is."

IB: A Life -- The Autobiography of Ibrahim Hussein is a fascinating story of an artist who touched the hearts of everyone he met.

Born in a small village in Kedah in 1936, his remarkable journey would lead him all around the world, but ultimately back home to Malaysia where he died in 2009.

His desire for adventure and his unique storytelling abilities allow us to follow this critically acclaimed artist through the Swinging Sixties in London, the creative pulse of New York, an incident-filled return to Malaysia and the founding of the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation up till his final year.

Part told and part collated from a gathering of his own disparate writings - diary entries, meditative sketches, letters, interviews - it presents an intimate and moving narrative of a man and artist in a constant state of brilliant creative restlessness.

Other new Malaysian books:

1. Belas Kasihku Meliputi Segala -- Reza Shah-Kazemi (RM10.00)
2. Testamen Politik -- Republik Anak Muda Malaysia (RM 8.00)
3.Stabil: Puisi dan catatan -- Fared Ayam (RM10.00)
4. Shore to Shore (Tamil) HB -- Muthammal Palisamy (RM40.00)
5. Shore to Shore (Tamil) PB -- Muthammal Palisamy (RM25.00)
6. The Patriot Game -- Kua Kia Soong (RM22.00)
7. 445 Days under ISA -- Kua Sia Soong (RM 25.00)
8. Missing Malaysia -- Dean Johns ((RM22.00)
9. Ethnic Relations in Nation Building -- Various (RM 28.00)

God of the Earth

2010-04-05T13:06:00.000+08:00

God of the Earth by Ho Thean Fook -- The Perak Academay (RM30.00)

Ho Thean Fook portrays Malaya at the beginning of the 20th century through the eyes of his grandfather as a child. This book is about the experiences of Pak Foo, a boy growing up in Papan, a small mining town in Perak. For Pak Foo there are fighting spiders and crickets to catch, Chinese classes to attend, 'wild rat' mines and wooden dredges to explore, weddings and festivals to celebrate, and ghosts and a monster serpent to encounter. Under the author's magical touch, the people of Papan spring to life, drawn in all their ordinariness and in vivid colours. These are tales about squatters, rich towkays, beggers, school teachers and matchmakers.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1.Great-Grandma's Hair Loss Remedy by Rebecca Lok (RM22.0)
2.The Ecokids and the Wasteful Water Worry by Fay Khoo & Asha Gill (RM10.00)
3. The Ecokids and the Gas Guzzler Gaffes by Fay Khoo & Asha Gill (RM10.00)
4. The Ecokids and the Plastic Bag Pickle by Fay Khoo & Asha Gill (RM10.00)

Traditional medicine

2010-03-17T15:13:00.001+08:00

Traditional Malay Medicinal Plants by Muhamad Zakaria & Mustafa Ali Mohad

Malaysia, like many other countries, is a nation that treasures its natural environment of forests, jungles and thickets. Moreover, these woodland domains also happen to be the greatest source of natural products that can be used for medicinal purposes. Since the beginning of their history, the Malay people have been using entire plants or their leaves, roots, stems, flowers or fruits as ingredients for the preparation of traditional herbal medicine. This book is an invaluable guide for people familiar with traditional medicine, as well as those who have an interest in medicinal plants. The book may also be of use to professionals such as botanists, phytochemists, doctors ans pharmacologists.

Other new books:
1. Melaka from the Top by Dennis De Witt

Book Launch

2010-03-16T17:07:00.001+08:00

Strategic Information and Research Development Centre (SIRD) cordially invites you to the launch of the book No Cowardly Past in Petaling Jaya. On our distinguished panel of speakers are well-known personalities, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Jomo K.S. and Dominic Puthucheary.

No Cowardly Past: James Puthucheary - Writings, Poems, Commentaries (Second Edition). Edited by Jomo K.S. and Dominic Puthucheary

Informed by a profound understanding of history and convinced by the need to construct a sustainable future for his country, Puthucheary spent a lifetime engaged with the most pressing problems of the day. The new edition of No Cowardly Past brings together some of his most important essays on political economy, the struggle for a progressive politics and the character of university education, as well as his lyrical and pungent poetry.

'Time past and time future are both contained in time present', wrote James Puthucheary in an honest and provocative letter from prison more than y years ago. Informed by a profound understanding of history and convinced by the need to construct a sustainable future for his country, Puthucheary spent a lifetime engaged with the most pressing problems of the day. e new edition of No Cowardly Past brings together some of his most important essays on political economy, the struggle for a progressive politics and the character of university education, as well as his lyrical and pungent poetry. The essays are written in a forthright style that makes his work so accessible and with an unusual candour about the di culties of transforming a rapidly changing society. Together with half a dozen commentaries that throw light on his personal life, political career, intellectual impact and literary output, No Cowardly Past o ers the most comprehensive introduction to one of Malaysia’s greatest public intellectuals.

Date: Monday, 22 March 2010
Time: 8.00pm -- 10.00pm
Venue: Auditorium, MBPJ Civic Centre, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Petaling Jaya

Programme:
Welcome by Ismail Gareth Richards
Speakers
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah - The Malaysia We Want
Jomo K.S. - Half a century later: The relevance of the Merdeka generation for us today
Dominic Puthucheary

Discussion
Official Book Launch and Presentation
Light refreshments will be served
Book sale and signing

Animal Tales

2010-03-01T18:37:00.000+08:00

Orang Asli Animal Tales by Lim Boo Liat (COAC) RM20.00

The Orang Asli -- the first people of Peninsular Malaysia -- are nature's naturalists. They are intimately familiar with the social structure and behavior of many of the animals in their forest homelands. To explain nature's mysteries, they have surrounded themselves with colourful folklore about wondrous creatures that are so much a part of their lives. In this collection of Orang Asli animal tales you will learn, for example, how the once-cruel tapir got it's white band and became the timid animal that it is today. And why the flying lemur always hides his tail and flies only by night. Or how friends of the slow-loris protected him from the punishment of blindness ordered by the king for outraging the modesty of his daughter. These tales are not only for enjoyment and amusement. They also teach us morals and give us a peek into the rich scientific and cultural heritage of the Orang Asli --Which should rightfully warrant a significant place in Malaysia's cultural heritage.

Other Malaysian titles:

1. T Pinkie's Floor by A Samad Said -- RM25.00
2. Fansuri's Love by A Samad Said -- RM20.00
3. Braving the Waves by Zailani Taslim -- RM25.00
4. The Opera House by Zakaria Ariffin -- RM15.00
5. Children of this Land by Noordin Hassan -- RM25.00
6. Mother El Nono & La Nina (Malaysian nature Series) -- RM15.00
7. Jungle of Hope by Keris Mas -- RM30.00
8. The Keris by Edward Frey -- RM20.00
9. Traditional Malay Medicinal Plants by Muhammad Zakaria, Mustafa Ali Mohd -- RM20.00
10. Song of the Pelican by Suhaimi Haji Muhammad -- RM20.00
11. Pilot Studies for a New Penang by Ooi Kee Beng, Gan Ban Lee -- RM50.00

Asian Tales

2010-02-17T14:54:00.001+08:00

Eight Jewels of the Phoenix -- Tutu Dutta-Yean -- MPH (2009) -- RM19.90

Eight Jewels of the Phoenix brings together eight legends and folk tales from the countries around the Asia-Pacific Rim. The tales in this collection are cultural icons, retold and reinterpreted in many forms through the ages. Just like the Phoenix, they are fierce, full of colour, magic and adventure, celebrating the richness and diversity of the cultures of Asia.

For those unfamiliar with these cultures, the book will be a journey of discovery. Readers will find universal themes: the reversal of fortune, quest for lovepossible and impossible, sacrifice for the greater good and even the charming story of a Malay Cinderella. The Phoenix sometimes makes an appearance in these stories in various guises.

The cultures covered in this book include China, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, North America and Thailand. The authors black-and-white illustrations bring a fresh perspective to the stories.

These are timeless tales that will appeal to both young and old alike.

Eight Fortunes of the Qilin -- Tutu Dutta-Yean -- MPH (2009) -- RM19.90

Eight Fortunes of the Qilin brings together eight legends and folk tales from countries around the Asia-Pacific Rim. Each story in the collection is rooted in the culture of its people. It is also a window to the past as some of these cultures may no longer exist or are undergoing rapid transformation.

As the fabled Qilin represents compassion, wisdom and respect for nature and life, these qualities are echoed in the stories. Nature, whether in the form of a mighty river, a little cricket or snail, plays a prominent role in these enthralling tales. It is also the thread that binds all these elements together. Humans, spirits and deities cross paths, and unseen worlds collide.

The countries brought to life in this collection include Borneo, Central America, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam. Accompanying the rich tales are black-and-white illustrations by the author to bring a fresh perspective to the stories.

These are timeless tales that will appeal to both young and old alike.

Other new books

No cowardly Past-2nd Edition -- James Puthucheary -- SIRD(2010) -- RM45.00

The good old days

2010-01-31T21:05:00.000+08:00

Kirkby: The Life and the Loves by Shaari Isa -- The Right Connections (2009) -- RM29.90

As the title suggests, this novel tells the story of the life at Kirkby College, a college established by the Federation of Malaya to train its teachers in England from 1952 to 1962. In this sense the College is unique in the annals of educational history.

This novel is a work of fiction set within the framework of facts which are described in great details. It is a fascinating story of the loves and conflicts weaved within the life of the students in the College who lived within an island of diverse Malayan cultures surrounded by the sea of British life.

The book is also a historical document because it describes the curricular and extra curricular activities, also the actual staff and physical facilities of the College at the time.

Dr. Shaari has an educational background having been trained as a teacher at Kirkby then went on to become a professional accountant. He has written several novels and a set of short stories in Malay and several academic books on accounting mainly in English.

Like all of Shaari's creative works, this novel focuses on human relation in society. It portrays that human emotion and life cut across all cultures, races and boundaries.

Annexe Gallery lectures

2010-01-15T16:50:00.000+08:00

What your teacher didn't tell you by Farish A Noor -- Matahari Books (RM40.00)

Farish A Noor might just be Malaysia's hippest intellectual. His gifts are on full display in these expanded versions of public lectures that he delivered at The Annexe Gallery, Central Market Kuala Lumpur in 2008 and 2009. There is even a bonus chapter!

Find out how 'racial difference' became a big deal in Malaysia, and contrast this against the way our distant ancestors lived. Discover the hidden stories of the keris, Hang Tuah and PAS. There's also quite a bit of sex. Erudite, impassioned and often plain naughty, What Your Teacher Didn't Tell You is a stimulating plunge into aspects of our past that have been kept from us.

Islamic Architecture in Malaysia

2010-01-01T17:18:00.000+08:00

Rethinking Islamic Architecture by Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi (RM 30.00)

Islamic architecture has never undergone a sustained period of self-criticism and creative renewal. Arguing in favour of a return to humility, humanism and the eternal values of Islam, the author shows a way out of the impasse in Islamic architecture by a close reading of the Islamic sources in tandem with a re-examination of the work of visionary Western modernists.

Professor Tajuddin also restores the importance of appreciating the integrity and sustainable design and technologies of Southeast Asian Islamic architecture as well as such postcolonial designs such as the National Mosque, the brilliant use of vernacular design in the Amanah Saham Pahang mosques and an organic, community-centred Islamic mosque-complex in Kota Baru -- all in Malaysia. Rethinking Islamic
Architecture challenges clients, architects, student and the general reader alike to rethink their assumptions and practices, and open their minds to a wealth of less explored possibilities.

This provocative yet accessible book should be read by anyone concerned about the need to restore sustainable human-centred design and shared value to contemporary cities.

Other Malaysian titles:

Tropical Affairs by Robert Raymer (RM 32.90)
Kirkby: The Life and the Loves by Shaari Isa (RM 29.90)
SUARAM: 20 Years Defending Human Rights by Kua Kia Soong (RM 20.00)
Where is Justic? Death and Brutality in Custody edited by John Lee & Nathaniel Tan (RM 29.00)
Call if You Need Me (DVD) by James Lee (RM 20.00)
All My Failed Attempts (DVD) by Tan Chui Mui (RM 20.00)
Sikh Community in Malaysia by Darshan Singh Gill (RM 89.90)

History of Malaysia

2009-12-16T15:27:00.000+08:00

History of Malaysia -- A Children's Encyclopedia by Tunku Halim (RM 68.00)

Every member of the family will enjoy this engaging encyclopedia. Its richly illustrated pages not only bring Malaysian history to life, but its clear and comprehensive explanations make it an essential resource. It helps children understand the country's history and how it relates to today's news. It records a dazzling panorama of peoples, cultures and events from the Stone Age until the present day. The main sections include regional maps, an encyclopedic A to Z, beginners to advance quizzes, a historical time chart, a chronology and glossary.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1)1 Funny Malaysia by ZUNAR (RM 20.00)
2)Building Bridges, Crossing Boundaries Edited by Francis Loh Kok Wah (RM 40.00)
3)Meor Sembang Tepi Jalan by Meor Yusof Aziddin (RM 20.00)
4)Laut Lebih Indah Dari Bulan: Antologi Skrip Teater Nam Ron (RM 15.00)
5)IPOH: When Tin was King (Hardback) by Ho Tak Ming (RM 120.00)
6)What Your Teacher Didn't Tell You, Vol 1 by Farish A Noor (RM 40.00)

Remembering Yasmin Ahmad

2009-11-30T11:10:00.000+08:00

Yasmin Ahmad's Films by Amir Muhammad (RM 30.00)

Yasmin Ahmad left a vibrant legacy, and it is still strange to talk about her in the past tense.

In order to deal with his grief, Amir Muhammad, fellow Malaysian filmmaker and friend, watched anew her six feature-length films (Rabun, Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf and Talentime), as well as several of her most popular commercials. Neither an obituary nor a conventional work of film criticism, this book was written just a month after her funeral and is Amir's personal look at the stories, but with quite a few tangents of his own.

Chatty and informative, Yasmin Ahmad's Films can be devoured not only by established fans but newcomers to her work. It is also a tribute to one of Malaysia's most amazing daughters.

Other new Malaysian books:
1. Planter Upriver by Mahbob Abdullah
2. Penang Under the East India Company 1786-1858 by Andrew Barber
(All these books are available at the Silverfish Online Bookstore).

A Taste of Terengganu

2009-11-16T16:16:00.001+08:00

Kulit Manis: A Taste of Terengganu's Heritage by To' Puan Rosita Abdullah -- Yayasan Prihatin (RM250.00)

Kulit Manis: A Taste of Terengganu's Heritage, is an unusual cookbook in that it is a 252 page literary 'heirloom'. Kulit Manis is a labour of love, a painstaking journey which reconnects the author, To' Puan Rosita, to her beloved state. Indeed, the author discovered many things that she had forgotten or never knew about Terengganu.

Kulit Manis takes a look at Terengganu's heritage from its culinary history. It delights readers with anecdotes and stories on personalities behind the recipes. It is a respectful appreciation of history, culture, places, nature and the citizens of Terengganu. The eighty-eight recipes in the book represent the true flavour of Terengganu; be it Malay, Chinese or Indian, or an amalgamation of all the three cultures. The recipes are unusual in that most of them require the chef to be instinctive: most have no precise measurements -- with a pinch of this and a dash of that. But they are all works of love.

The beautiful and energetic To' Puan Rosita Abdullah is as keen and passionate about cooking, as she is excited about Terengganu's heritage and culture.

Kulit Manis took three years to complete, juggling her roles as a housewife and mother, and interviewing strangers for recipes and history. She made many friends as she discovered new secrets about her home state. And the more she learned, the more she loved Terengganu.

Qur'an and Cricket

2009-10-29T17:16:00.000+08:00

qur'an and cricket: Travels through the madrasahs of Asia and other stories by Farish A Noor. RM40.00

This book is a travelogue by Farish Noor that spans the period from 2004 to early 2009. Versions of many of these pieces have appeared elsewhere before, but many have been completely rewritten. Here is an excerpt from the book:

However, in the course of the same research I have also visited some rather dodgy institutions that can hardly be called madrasahs. Once in Pakistan I had to interview some students while in the corner of the room played a videotape of the gruesome murder and decapitation of the American journalist Daniel Pearl. The boys I was speaking to were between seven to ten years of age, and were smiling and laughing -- while others lay asleep. I tried to look away as long as I could, resisting the urge to puke.

(From Santri: Another Look at the Pesantren al-Mukmin of Abu Bakar Ba'ashir.)

Farish A Noor, academic, activist, traveller extraordinaire, visits, lives and interviews students (and others) in 'jihad factory' madrasahs (Islamic seminaries) from Patani to Pakistan and from Kashmir to Cairo, and comes away dazed and confused. In attempting to make sense of it all, he ends up confronting his own demons and nightmares.

This is a book that only Farish A Noor will attempt and can write. He visits locations we would like to avoid even in our worst nightmares. Although he writes with his sense of humour firmly in place throughout, that does not obscure the seriousness of the subject. Is the world ready for some truth?

quran and cricket is now available in all major bookstore in Malaysia, or you may buy it online from http://www.silverfishbooks.com/buybooks/index.php

Also available (at Silverfish Books only) are a set of six postcards with photographs and drawings by Farish A Noor. These are priced at RM5.00 a set, but will be given away free with every purchase of quran and cricket (at Silverfish Books only) while stocks last.

History of Penang

2009-10-15T17:17:00.000+08:00

Penang and Its Region ( The Story of an Asian Entrepot ) edited by Khoo Salma Nasution, Loh Wei Leng, Neil Khor, Yeoh Seng Guan (RM 45.00)

From its beginnings in the late eighteenth century, the vibrant colonial port of Penang attracted a diverse range of peoples, enabled pioneering commercial enterprises, and fomented inter-ethnic collaboration and inter-cultural borrowings. The island came to be known as the "Pearl of the Orient", and for many travellers it was their first port of call in Southeast Asia. In the early nineteenth century, Singapore displaced Penang in international trade, but the island remained a major focus of regional trade. For this reason, the story of Penang's relations with the Malay Peninsula and other parts of Southeast Asia reveal a great deal about conditions within the region.

This collection discusses the personal networks that have linked prominent individuals in Penang with neighbouring areas, and then considers the position of the island as a whole within the Southeast Asian region. Specifically, the authors write about local entrepreneurs, mutual help associations, and cross border trading and political networks, and aspects of how the cosmopolitan population of the island negotiated the transition from British colony to Malaysian state.

Strait talk

2009-09-30T19:18:00.000+08:00

Straight Talk by Tunku Abdul Aziz (RM 40.00)

The vintage articles in the New Straits Times by Tunku Aziz have been keenly read within Malaysia and appreciated for his incisive commentary on the socio-political foibles of the nation, clearly in the throes of crony feudalism in the exercise of power. His serious, fearless and critical opinions were published at a time when radical transformations away from bad practices were being desired by the electorate and observers who wish for achievable ideals in national progress.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1. Penang and Its Region edited by Yeoh Seng Guan, Loh Wei Leng, Khoo Salma Nasution and Neil Khor (RM 45.00)

2. Tangerin&Nikotin by Mimi Morticia (RM 15.00)

Anwar on trial

2009-09-16T16:06:00.001+08:00

Anwar on Trial( In the Face of Injustice ) by Pawancheek Marican -- RM50.00

The Anwar Ibrahim trials during the late Nineties left the landscape of Malaysia's judiciary forever changed. Convicted to a six-year prison term on charges that many believe to have been trumped, Anwar has become the symbol of a new generation of Malaysians determined to seek truth and justice.

'Anwar on Trial: In the Face of Injustice' gives readers a cogent look into the detailed workings of the 1998 corruption trial of Anwar Ibrahim. Captured through the lens of a lawyer who was present throughout the proceedings, this book presents a first-hand account of the goings-on in court and outside it.

Pawancheek Marican examines the way that the Malaysian judiciary was systematically emasculated and turned into a pawn of the executive, the consequences of which will linger for many generations to come.

From the trial judge who forbade Anwar to argue his defence of conspiracy to the abuse of the Attorney-General's chambers, this book lays bare the political machinations taking place behind the scenes by those in power to remain in power.

The information contained within this book comes at an opportune moment as Anwar Ibrahim faces yet another sodomy trial in 2009- this time, however, from the freedom of his own home and as the Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh in Penang.

Malaysian Human Rights Report 2008

2009-08-29T14:27:00.001+08:00

Malaysian Human Rights Report 2008: Civil & Political Rights by SUARAM (RM 22.00)

SUARAM's annual Human Rights Report on Malaysia is widely recognised as the most objective, comprehensive and dependable source of information on the state of human rights in Malaysia. It documents the human rights violations as well as the struggles of human rights defenders that take place in Malaysia during the year.

In this 2008 report, we note that the new political realities brought about the the unprecedented results of the 12th General Elections, in which the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered its biggest loss in Malaysian electoral history since 1969.

Despite this setback, the BN government continued to use outdated and draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Emergency Ordinance (EO) and the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) to detain individuals without trial. Other restrictive and repressive laws, including the Police Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA), the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and the Sedition Act continued to be invoked by the government to suppress voices of dissent and curb basic freedoms of expression, assembly and association.

The establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) as recommended by the Royal Police Commission a few years ago remained unfulfilled. This has led to numerous abuses of power by the police throughout the year.

2008 also saw growing religious intolerance, mostly clearly demonstrated in warnings issued by Muslim leaders against non-Muslims who discussed matters relating to Islam and the ban on non-Muslims from using certain words deemed to be the exclusive right of Islam. The rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants continued to be seriously violated by the government.

Malaysia's credibility at the international level took a further blow for its lack of commitment in promoting and protecting human rights, as illustrated in the possible downgrading of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) by an international governing body.

Other new Malaysian titles:

1)Multiethnic Malaysia: Past, Present and Future edited by Lim Teck Ghee, Alberto Gomes, Azly Rahman (RM 60.00)
2)Speaking for the Reformasi Generation by Liew Chin Tong (RM 35.00)
3)Mother of All Scandals: The RM12.5 Billion Rip-off by Lim Kit Siang (RM 15.00)
4)Najib's First 100 Days: No Honeymoon by Oon Yeoh (RM 20.00)
5)New Era College Controversy: The Betrayal of Dong Jiao Zong by Kua Kia Siong (RM 20.00)
6)Anwar on Trial: In the Face of Injustice by Pawancheek Merican (RM 50.00)
7)Memoir Abdullah C.D. (Bahagian Ketiga): Perjuangan di Sempadan dan Penamatan Terhormat (RM 38.00)
8)Making and Unmaking the Asylum: Leprosy and Modernity in Singapore and Malaysia by Loh Kah Seng (RM 28.00)
9)Politik Malaysia di Persimpangan: Praktik Politik dalam PRU 2008 dan Kontemporari by Muhamad Nadzri Mohamed Noor (RM 20.00)

All the books above are available for purchase online at http://www.silverfishbooks.com/buybooks/

Double fantasy

2009-08-15T14:57:00.000+08:00

Body 2 Body: A Malaysian Queer Anthology edited by Jerome Kugan and Pang Khee Teik (RM 34.00)

Body 2 Body: A Malaysian Queer Anthology is the first of its kind: a compilation of original creative writing on the gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and transvestites of the country.

Long denied a voice in the mainstream, the queers of Malaysia are boldly and fabulously represented in 23 stories, fiction and non-fiction. From coming out to coming home, breaking up to breaking down, changing sex to changing heart, the stories are different from anything you may have read in – or about – Malaysia.

Matanya Teleskop, Hatinya Kapal Dalam Botol Kaca by Sufian Abas (RM 15.00)

Manusia dalam himpunan cerita ini dingin-dingin belakakerna hati mereka sudah hangus dek api berani yang meluluh segala isi dalaman diri hingga yang tinggal hanya lohong kosong seluas bima sakti.

Dunia kini gurun, pari-pari rupa-rupanya kertas, si buta memimpin si tempang, inilah apokaliptika perasaan yang paling lazat.

Other Malaysian titles:

Kayangan by Ruhayat X (RM 10.00)

Lost in KL by Bernice Chauly (RM 10.00)

Overwhelming Terror

2009-07-31T16:58:00.000+08:00

Overwhelming Terror: Love, Fear, Peace and Violence Among Semai of Malaysia by Robert Knox Dentan (RM 30.00)

This powerful ethnography of a people believed to be the least violent in the world explores how they maintain peaceful relations even under the most dire circumstances. Robert Knox Dentan, the world's foremost scholar of Semai, brings its members vividly to life. His book includes translations of their poetry, dramatized accounts of particular events, and narratives in their own words. Throughout, the author highlights the mechanisms and costs of peace, underscoring their relevance to everyday life in all societies. Students and scholars of peace studies, conflict revolution, ethnography, and Southeast Asia will find this unique work an invaluable and compelling study.

Many shades of good

2009-07-16T15:30:00.001+08:00

Toni Kasim: A Tribute edited by Kua Kia Soong -- RM20.00

Zaitun Mohamed Kasim, better known as Toni Kasim, served the community on a broad range of issues for more than twenty years, fifteen of those years in Malaysia. She firmly believed in the principles of justice and equality for all, regardless of differences in gender, race, religion, sexualities, disabilities and access to wealth and resources.

Toni Kasim ran as the first independent women's parliamentary candidate in the 1999 General Elections on a gender platform. Instead of narrowing her advocacy to political party priorities, Toni Kasim raised issues that reverberated across communities and constituents, such as discriminatory laws, health issues, employment and wealth distribution.

A tireless leader, Toni Kasim devoted much of her life advancing the rights of diverse communities in Malaysia, and no one's reality was too marginal to be captured in her advocacy for collective justice. She was going to run for elections in 2008 when she had to be hospitalised. After months of battling cancer, she left us at the dawn of Wed 4 June, 2008, 5.30am, in her sister's arms. She was 41.

Young new writing talent

2009-07-01T15:47:00.000+08:00

Lethal Lesson and other stories by Adeline Lee Zhia Ern (RM 30.00)

One day, mother said to me, "Do you want to go to Malaya?" I stared at her stupidly. Am I going to follow the other girls who have gone? Am I going to be married off? Mother told me that our neighbour, Lau, had a son in Malaya who needed a wife. I had only seen Yuan when he was a little boy, thus the impression of his face was fuzzy in my mind. "You're already twenty-one. You should have been married a long time ago. Do you want to go?" I was not sure. If I were to go, I knew life would be extremely different there. But as a daughter, I knew my mother wanted her request obeyed. I was somehow intrigued by the idea of going to a new country. "Lau has promised three cows in exchange for your marriage to his son. I think it's a good transaction." I nodded. So it was settled. -- Extract from Belonging Somewhere.

It was a surprise to know of the writer's age after I read her book. The mastery of the language, the creativity, and the fact that it was not a sappy teenage love story made the reading enjoyable. He passion must be encouraged. This is a good start to a writing career. Good Luck. -- Dina Zaman author of I am Muslim.

Fresh, unafraid and disarmingly unpretentious. Adeline lets her imagination rule her stories. Adeline also writes with a clarity that will surely serve her well in her writing future. -- Shih-Li Kow author of Ripples and other stories.

Other new Malaysian titles:

All the Beloveds by Alina Rastam (RM 35.00)
D is for Depression by Choong Khuat Hock (RM 25.00)
33 Food Hotspots: Kuala Lumpur's Ultimate Food Guide (60.00)
Kathakali: Kumpulan Cerpen Bahasa Malaysia by Uthaya Sankar SB (RM 20.00)

(Institit Terjemahan Negara Malaysia Berhad has recently supplied Silverfish Books with more than 130 titles, which we are currently processing.)

Taxi Tales

2009-06-16T16:59:00.000+08:00

Taxi Tales on a Crooked Bridge by Charlene Rajendran (RM 28.00)

"So what are you?" he asks, as the drive to somewhere begins.

The short answer: someone trying to figure out what the question means, in taxi.

Charlene Rajendran is one of the many Malaysians who lives in Singapore, and she choose not to own a car. This book chronicles her conversations with some of the 'driving philosophers' she has met on the hundreds of taxi rides she has taken. Ethnicity, gender, nationhood, religion and more are discoursed in short trips across the island state. Seemingly transient and anonymous, but never lonely, the space of a taxi might be the ideal place for both passenger and driver to ponder the world that is literally passing by.

The Indian Dilemma

2009-06-01T15:23:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian Indian Dilemma by Janakey Raman Manickam (Hardback - RM 62.50 / Paperback - RM 50.00)

This book delves into the existence of the Indian community since the time of their arrival in Malaya as indentured labour 150 years ago, to the present day. It is an explication of the struggles, pain, agony that they suffered as a result of treachery, deception, trivialization and contempt by those who claimed to have their best interest at heart. This account exemplifies the vicious cycle of the loss of faith, hopelessness, frustration and decadence experienced by the Indian community for the 150 years of dwelling in this country. It is an Indian attempt to seeking the wound gangrenous that afflicted his people. This is the voice of an ailing community.

Other new books / items:

Taxi Tales on a Crooked Bridge by Charlene Rajendra (RM 28.00)
Slaughter and Deception at Batang Kali by Ian Ward and Norma Miraflor (RM 55.00)

Malaysian Gods: A Year that Shook the Nation (DVD) by Amir Muhammad (RM 20.00)
Ah Kew the Digger (VCD) by Khoo Eng Yow (RM 14.00)

The Elephant and the Sea (DVD) by Woo Ming Jin (RM 20.00)

Folk Tales from Malaysia and Germany

2009-05-15T14:48:00.000+08:00

Kisah Dongeng dan Cerita Rakyat Malaysia& Jerman edited by Holger Warnk & Volker Wolf (RM 30.00)

Antologi dwibahasa ini memperkenalkan pembaca kepada kisah dongeng dan cerita rakyat Malaysia dan Jerman. Kisah dongeng dan cerita rakyat Malaysia dan Jerman ini membantu pembaca memahami budaya lain di samping memberikan keseronokan estetika apabila yang tersembunyi dalam aliran peristiwa sehari-hari yang dilukiskan melalui kisah yang dipaparkan. Buku ini diselenggarakan oleh Holgar Warnk dan Dr Volker Wolf dan diterbitkan oleh Institut Terjemahan Negara Malaysia dengan kerjasama Goethe-Institut Malaysia.

Other new books:

Tribal Communities in the Malay World edited by Geoffrey Benjamin & Cynthia Chou (RM 145.00)
Unmasking Najib by Lim Kit Siang (RM 20.00)
Najib's Challenge: Glory or Oblivion by Barry Wain (RM 10.00)
Malaysia at the Crossroads: A Socialist Perspective by Jeyakumar Devaraj (RM 15.00
Ceritalah 3: Malaysia A Dream Deferred by Karim Raslan (RM 32.00)

New book by Tash Aw

2009-05-01T09:54:00.000+08:00

Map of the Invisible World by Tash Aw (RM 64.90)

From the author of the internationally acclaimed, Costa Award-winning The Harmony Silk Factory comes an enthralling new novel that evokes an exotic yet turbulent and often frightening world. 16-year-old Adam is an orphan three times over. He and his older brother, Johan, were abandoned by their mother as children; he watched as Johan was adopted and taken away by a wealthy couple; and he had to hide when Karl, the Dutch man who raised him, was arrested by soldiers during Sukarno's drive to purge 1960s Indonesia of its colonial past. Adam sets out on a quest to find Karl, but all he has to guide him are some old photos and letters, which send him to the colourful, dangerous capital, Jakarta. Johan, meanwhile, is living a seemingly carefree, privileged life in Malaysia, but is careening out of control, unable to forget the long-ago betrayal of his helpless, trusting brother.

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf:

Taxi Tales on a Crooked Bridge by Charlene Rajendran (RM 28.00)

Sejarah Melayu (Paperback, RM 45.00)

Leyden's Malay Annals (Paperback, RM 55.00)

Malay Annals (Paperback, RM 45.00)

Saya Pun Melayu

2009-04-14T17:40:00.000+08:00

Saya Pun Melayu by Zaid Ibrahim (RM 35.00)

Melalui buku Saya Pun Melayu, pembaca berpeluang untuk memahami dengan lebih jelas siapa Zaid Ibrahim. Kenapa beliau meletak jawatan sebagai menteri dan seterusnya dipecat daripada UMNO yang disertainya sejak 23 tahun, dan juga mengapa sesetengah pemimpin UMNO begitu membencinya sehingga ada yang mendesaknya keluar daripada rumpun Melayu. Anda akan mengetahui rahsia sebalik kritikan beliau terhadap konsep Ketuanan Melayu serta pandangannya berhubung kedudukan Raja-Raja Melayu dari segi undang-undang dan politik. Beliau juga berkongsi pengalaman sebagai anggota kabinet Abdullah Ahmad Badawi serta mengupas sejauh mana kemampuan Najib Tun Razak untuk memulihkan keyakinan rakyat kepada kerajaan.

Other new Malaysian books on the shelf:
Echoes of Silence by Chuah Guat Eng (RM 45.00)
Pasca Manusia by Sufian Abas (RM 10.00)
Perempuan Simpanan published by Sindiket Sol-jah (RM 15.00)
The Headhunters of Borneo by Carl Bock (RM 88.80)
13 May 1969: The Darkest Day in Malaysian History by Leon Comber (RM 33.60)
Raffles: The Definitive Biography by Maurice Collis (RM 44.40)
My Adventure: An Iban Warrior's Autobiography by Robert Rizal Abdullah (RM 39.00)

New urban writings

2009-04-01T10:54:00.000+08:00

The Loneliest Profession in the World by Jerome Kugan (RM 10.00)

The Loneliest Profession in the World collects new poems written by Malaysian Poet and singer songwriter Jerome Kugan. The poems were written between October 2008 and February 2009, and explores the intricacies of relationship, desire and loss. Memory and emotion collide with acerbic wit and humour to produce an often astonishing and affecting look at the nature of love.

Dua Lauk - Fiksi Popkon dari Zon Imaginasi Terlarang by Taf Teh & D'Ianadi (RM 20.00)

Fiksi Popkon dari Zon Imaginasi Terlarang, adalah kumpulan cerpen oleh dua orang penulis wanita yang semakin dikenali di dunia maya. Pendek, padat dan penuh imaginasi, fiksyen-fiksyen mereka dijangka akan mencarta koordinat baru dalam peta sastera Malaysia.

"Aku tiba di hadapan 7Eleven. Budak-budak Melayu beruniform merah bergurau senda gembira di kaunter. Seronok ya, dik, dapat kerja dalam ekon?"

Dalam koleksi fiksi dua perempuan ni kerja dalam ekon adalah kemuncak hidup, dan mati itu satu kelegaan.

Kerana, siapa mahu hidup dalam dunia yang dipenuhi kucing-kucing pondan, lipas yang ugut minta ufti, lelaki emo yang suka minum susu stroberi, dan mekap yang buat kau nampak macam robot tak berperasaan.

Lost Times

2009-03-16T16:28:00.000+08:00

Lost Times and Untold Tales from the Malay World edited by Jan van der Putten & Mary Kilcline Cody (RM 49.00)

How did the Komodo dragon influence Hollywood? What do Wanted posters reveal about the Wild Wild East? Was the hapless explorer a martyr to science or a gaseous windbag? Why were colonial officials secret pill poppers? Did bicycles really promoter Women's Lib? Who went looking for love in all the wrong places? What do you do at the Get-Rich-Quick-Tree? The answers to these and many other questions are found in the witty, useful, informative, amusing and sometimes amazing stories that make up this collection.

Inspired by the wry yet deeply scholarly perspective of Australian philologist Ian Proudfoot, the editors of Lost Times and Untold Tales from the Malay World bring together a distinguished group of international scholars who look at calendars and time, royal myths, colonial expeditions, printing, propaganda, theater, art, Islamic manuscripts, erotic literature, and many other topics from wholly unexpected angles. The book demonstrates the spectacular diversity of scholarship on the Malay World, and shows that offbeat texts can produce fascinating new insights into the past.

Also, Silverfish Books is giving away free copies of George Town, World Heritage Site Map produced by UNESCO and World Heritage to anyone interested (while stocks last). Please come early to claim your copy from the bookshop in Bangsar Baru.

Equality and Justice

2009-02-28T17:19:00.000+08:00

WANTED: Equality and Justice in the Muslim Family edited by Zainah Anwar (RM 28.00)

This unique collection of analytical papers contains the arguments supporting Musawah, the Global Movement for Equality and Justice in the Muslim Family. These resource materials look at why they are necessary given the socio-economic realities of today's Muslim Society.

The collection's strength is that it brings together analysis from a remarkably broad range of disciplines to support rights-based reform of Muslim family laws and the protection of existing rights. These disciplines include: Qur'anic exegesis, fiqh or jurisprudence, socio-legal history and analysis, international human rights law, gender studies, political science, sociology and economics.

Although the contributions are from leading scholars and analysts in the field, the style is designed to be accessible to all who are concerned about the need for equality and justice in the Muslim family.

As a concise resource for the Musawah movement, the book also contains the Musawah Framework for Action, a collectively-developed holistic approach that lays the foundation for the claim that family laws and practice can -- and must -- change to reflect equality and justice and the lived realities of Muslims today.

And the hits keep on rolling

2009-02-16T14:32:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Politicians Say the Darndest Things Vol. 2 compiled by Amir Muhammad (RM 25.00)

Test your knowledge on current affairs. Who said the following unforgettable lines?

"Malaysia has already far too many tigers. They should be shot because there is no use keeping them alive."

"Problems happen because women cannot accept polygamy, What about doing a campaign so that women can accept polygamy?"

"If you come across a snake and a man from a certain ethnic community, you should hit the man first."

The Malaysian politician continues to to be a gift that keeps on giving. Hot on the heels of the best-selling Vol 1 of Malaysian Politicians Say the Darndest Things, this compilation is further proof that we don't need to travel far to experience shock and awe. Join us for another dance through some of the toe-tapping delights of the past two decades. Some of the quotes are witty and pithy, others are weird and prickly, and still others are just out-of-tune. If all History lessons were this painless, none of us would have ever skipped class

More paintings

2009-02-01T10:49:00.000+08:00

Drawings by Khor Seow Hooi (RM 88.00)

'Familiar places always surprise me and I will never tire of them. A back lane is never the same when I return to it. From a corner, on a porch, or out a window, something interesting presents itself. Perhaps it is a group of men hunched over a chess board. Or a parent encouraging a little child to cycle. It could be an old, old woman smiling toothlessly, framed by a door. Whatever it is, I must paint it.'

Khor Seow Hooi was born in Penang in 1946. He studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore from 1965 to 1967. He attended the Oriental Institute of Technology in Taiwan for textile painting from 1972 to 1974. He trained at the Bayer Lab in Hong Kong in 1974 and the Bayer Lab Training, Germany, in 1985. Khor held the first solo exhibition of his works in Kuala Lumpur in 1969 and his second one-man show in Singapore the same year. He has participated in many art exhibitions since and his paintings are part of both corporate and priovate collections in Malaysia and abroad.

Art and architecture

2009-01-15T14:18:00.000+08:00

Sacred Structures: Artistic Renditions of Hindu Temples in Malaysia and Singapore (Hardcover)
by
Krishna Gopal Rampal (Editor),
Raja Thuraisingham (Publisher),
Saiful Anwar Yahya (Designer)

Hardcover: 219 page
Price RM 228.00
Publisher: Bluetoffee (2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9810595859
ISBN-13: 978-9810595852

Product Description

Sacred Structures is a fascinating guide to the world of Hindu Temples in Malaysia and Singapore, presented through the unique artistic vision of some of its leading artists. In four sections, beautifully illustrated with original paintings by ten leading artists, the book takes the reader through the various phases of Hindu Temple building from the 5-6th Century to modern times.

The book contains more than 190 original paintings (in full colour) that clearly illustrate the point that these temples are not only places of worship but magnificent works of art. These paintings are further illuminated by essays written by eminent writers on the historical development of the architecture, sculptures and renditions by these artists. A brief communication on the journey through these temples is also provided for those wishing to undertake similar sojourns.

Available mainly at: Silverfish Books Sdn Bhd, 58-1 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 228 448 37 Email: info@silverfishbooks.com

Free delivery (by courier) to addresses within Peninsula Malaysia. Delivery to Sabah and Sarawak will cost an additional RM20.00

Ripples and other stories

2008-12-31T17:47:00.000+08:00

Ripples and other stories by Shih-Li Kow (RM 30.00)

Shih-Li just keeps on getting better and better. In her first full book of short stories (which, incidentally has been nominated for the Commonwealth Writer's Prize in the First Book category), Shih Li's delicate touch and turn of phrase continues. She says she loves writing and obviously means it. She will not let any excuse get in the way of her passion. She holds a full time job working six days a week, and is a loving single mother with a ten-year-old.

"... If you were getting tired of fiction, this is the place to have your faith renewed in the beauty and the terror of the imaginary.

I recommend that you read the stories in order of appearance. Unexpected delights will emerge: characters, locations and events from earlier stories will pop up in subsequent ones, adding shade and dimension to the earlier appearances. Things connect -- not in a mystery-solving way, but because even seemingly random occurrences have a history behind them. And since these connections occur in a social environment like Malaysia, they get complicated further by our famously fraught cultural and historical matrices."

-- Amir Muhammad, Malay Mail, 31^st December 2008.

Sun Yat Sen in Penang by Khoo Salmah Nasution (RM 30.00)

2008-12-15T15:53:00.000+08:00

'You can help shoulder the responsibility of saving our country by donating your money, while our comrades in our country are sacrificing their lives'

Sun Yat Sen in the famous speech he made in Penang, 1910

The Second Guangzhou Uprising (also called the Canton March 29 Uprising), a turning point of the 1911 Chinese Revolution, was planned from a place 2,400 km away -- in Penang in present-day Malaysia.

As a young revolutionary, Dr. Sun Yat Sen traveled widely and lived amongst the Chinese Communities abroad, including Japan, North America and Southeast Asia. He mobilized the overseas Chinese with the dream of saving the Chinese nation.

In 1910, when success seemed most remote, Dr. Sun turned to his followers in Penang. The Penang Philomatic Union became the Tongmenghui party's Nanyang Headquarters, raising funds and fighters for the Second Guangzhou Uprising and acting decisively to help consolidate the Xinhai Revolution.

Anwar and Mahathir

2008-12-01T16:43:00.001+08:00

The Asian Renaissance by Anwar Ibrahim (Publisher: Marshall Cavendish, RM 44.60)

The renaissance of Asia entails the growth, development and flowering of Asian societies based on a certain vision of perfection; societies imbued with truth and the love of learning, justice and compassion, mutual respect and forbearance, and freedom and responsibility. It is the transformation of its cultures and societies from its capitulation to Atlantic powers to the position of self-confidence and its reflowering at the dawn of a new millennium.

The Malay Dilemma by Mahathir bin Mohamad (Publisher: Marshall Cavendish, RM 44.40)

...first published in 1970 to much controversy. Dr Mahathir's interpretation of events caused him to be called upon to defend his statements and claims.

This is not an objective book. Nevertheless, it is published because it is what an educated modern, progressive Malay thinks and believes ... The arguments in the Malay Dilemma reveal the author's reactions to the pressing problems of the day, and show how a politically inclined Malay understands the past, explains the behaviour of his own people and the behaviour of the immigrants, and foresees the future.

Poems Sacred and Profane

2008-11-15T14:22:00.000+08:00

Poems Sacred and Profane: Sajak Sajak Saleh by Salleh ben Joned

The third edition of this, arguably, most important collection of modern Malaysian poetry which was first released in 1987. It is too important a book not to be kept in print. Here are some of the reactions from readers and reviewers. Only Salleh ben Joned can traumatise a whole race!

"It's like meeting Hang Jebat* on his day off." -- Lat -- *Jebat -- legendary Malay rebel of 15^th - 16^th century Malacca famous for his amok
"...below the wit that withers and wounds is the love he bears his own...poems that mix grief, anger, love; the voice of the poet speaking for and at his race, with the voice of the father, the husband, the lover, the would-be mystic still very much of this world -- and revelling in it...Here is Malay as it is seldom heard, returned perhaps to its original vigour..." -- Dawn Menon, The Star
The poems "are unconventional and invigorating and explore with arresting sensuality subjects often confined to the philosophical and personal." -- Traveller's Literary Companion to Southeast Asia (1996)
"The appearance of Salleh's book ... was the most traumatic experience for the Malay literary scene." -- Prof Muhammad Hj Salleh
"Ini puncak sajak penuh rentak seorang penyair tulen lagi jantan bernama Salleh."-- Latiff Mohidin

History

2008-10-31T14:12:00.001+08:00

History of the Dutch in Malaysia by Dennis De Witt -- RM 60.00.

Written in the perspective of a Malaysian Dutch Eurasian, this book divides the Dutch historical influences in Malaysia into four different eras. Each era is analysed and represented in relation to its respective social environment and political developments. Included are the historical contributions of individuals, such as the Dutch Admirals who attempted to capture Malacca, the Dutch Governors and their administrative ranks who governed the town and the contributions of the Malacca Burghers in shaping Malaysia's history.

Presented herein are the many vestiges from the Dutch that can still be found in Malaysia today. The author also sets the record straight on some misconceptions concerning historic monuments, identifies Dutch architectural influences, recounts an unusual tradition of reusing old burial tombs and proposes a theory for the legend of Malacca's secret tunnels.

Although Dutch-descended communities such as the Afrikaners of South Africa, the Ceylon Burghers of Sri Lanka and the Indo-Dutch Eurasians from Indonesia are known to exist, few are aware of the existence of the Malaysian Dutch descendants. Categorised in a broad sense as Eurasians, they exist as a minority within a minority in Malaysia. This book recounts their history, relates their ancestor's contributions towards Malaysian history and describes the development of this hidden and forgotten minority ethnic group.

Malaysian Indians

2008-09-30T15:37:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian Indians: History, Problems and Future by Muzafar Desmond Tate -- RM 40.00.

The Malaysian Indians comes at an important juncture in the history of this significant minority group in Malaysia. Written several years before the Hindraf rallies of 2007, this book is a much-needed introduction to the Indians of Malaysia.

It is a balanced, scholarly yet highly readable account of the origins, economic and political contributions, and continuing divisions and problems faced by this diverse community.

The focus is on those who migrated or who were brought to work in colonial plantations and the civil service in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. Both the educated and poor labouring classes came to this nation seeking their fortunes, and became part and parcel of its growth, prosperity and political upheavals.

Readers are also reminded of the important, century-old, pre-colonial ties between India and Southeast Asia -- links that deeply influenced kingship, religion, culture and trade, including in the Malay world. This book also traces the key contributions of individuals and groups in the making of Malaya as well as Malaysia. It is hopes that this book will be the springboard for more research, rational discussion, and informal public debates and policies about the Malaysian Indians, including its poorest, most marginalized, sections.

Malay magic

2008-09-15T15:15:00.000+08:00

Susuk: the Evil Within by Amir Hafizi -- Marshall Cavendish -- RM 29.90.

Beauty has a price. Soraya is a young trainee nurse who is starting to feel disaffected by her life. A chance introduction to the world of glamour piques her ambition to be a star. She does nor succeed at first, but then she is told of the forbidden practice of susuk. Should she stay the way she is, or cross the line? Meanwhile, Suzana is a dive with an air of mystery. She has long used the extreme susuk keramat. Every time she violates a taboo, a human life is required. We follow the eventful lives of these two women until we get to the secret of this dreaded charm.

Susuk is the forbidden practice of inserting and embedding foreign objects under a person's skin to increase their allure. The wearer will have to respect a few taboos, failing which the consequences will be dire. More dangerous is a variant called susuk keramat.

Susuk is also available in Malay, written by Nizam Zakaria (RM 24.90)

Politics and a tsunami

2008-09-01T11:40:00.000+08:00

March 8: The Day Malaysia Woke Up by Kee Thuan Chye -- Marshall Cavendish -- RM 39.90.

The day of the underdogs, the real Merdeka, a political tsunami, the perfect storm -- by any name, March 8, 2008, will go down in history as a turning point in Malaysian politics.

With their votes, Malaysians dealt a blow to the Barisan Nasional government that had held almost absolute power for 50 years. Denying it the all-important two-thirds majority in Parliament and the control of five states has certainly made the political scenario more vibrant.

Although surprised that there was such power in the vote they cast, Malaysians woke up to the true meaning and practice of democracy. They now face the present reasonably free from fear, free from the spectre of May 13.

This book is about that historic day and the change that came with it -- an expression of hope for a brighter future, with many Malaysian voices speaking their thoughts frankly. There are also eyewitness accounts, interviews with key people, and articles never published before, written by fledgling and established writers.

Di Balik Malaysia: Dari Majapahit Ke Putrajaya by Farish A Noor (RM 35.00)

Di Balik Malaysia: Dari Majapahit Ke Putrajaya mengandungi koleksi artikel pilihan oleh Farish A Noor, seorang sarjana / penganalisis politik dan sosial yang bukan sahaja kritis tetapi berterus terang.

Buku ini mengambil pendekatan dengan menyorot beberapa tokoh erkenal
dalam sejarah nasionalisme Melayu dan bagaimana pemikiran mereka dilihat masih relevan sehingga sekarang. Keistimewaan Dr Farish juga dilihat bagaimana ia mengaitkan sumber-sumber daripada naskah Melayu klasik sebagai latarbelakang justera mengesahkan proses sosialisasi penyatuan antara kaum di negara ini sebenarnya telah lama wujud.

Malaysian foibles

2008-07-31T18:05:00.001+08:00

Tales from the Court and other stories by Matthew Thomas -- Silverfish Books, Price RM30.00.

Rukumani Devi, the court interpreter cum court clerk, cum file caller, cum amicus curiae of the court, cum confidant of the magistrate, cum Amway agent rose, a tinge of white ash smeared on her forehead and in a crisp yellow sari, looking important. She reeled out the civil and criminal action numbers with accompanying names of legal firms so fast that I missed mine.

She then called a second time around, this time angrily, "How many times must call-lah?"

Rukumani Devi conducted herself as would a maestro conducting an orchestra. Everything was at her fingertips, an upturned palm if she wanted counsel to stand and a down-turned palm for counsel to sit. The Magistrate, the lawyers and litigants paid her great heed.

As Mohamed M Keshavjee writes in his afterword: In this compendium of short stories, the author, who is a keen student of human foibles, gives us a series of vignettes from the Kuala Lumpur of the 1950s. His characters come vividly to life: from Eddodes, the creative and legendary builder of castles in the air and Boniface 'Birdie Boy' Ratnayake, the aspirant judge, to Musso the exorcist, and Mike Kumar, the confidence trickster. In this book, all these characters talk to us. The author captures the very essence of their being and their cultures as they play their little games in life, made up of illusions, craftiness, ego, hope and aspirations.

Human Rights

2008-06-30T14:57:00.000+08:00

Malaysia Human Rights Report 2007: Civil and Political Rights by SUARAM (RM 22.00)

SUARAM publishes its Human Rights Report on Malaysia every year without fail. This report is now widely recognised as the most objective, comprehensive and dependable source of information on the state of human rights in Malaysia.

In this 2007 report, we note that on this 50th year of Malaysia's independence, the state institutions intended to safeguard human rights failed to deliver...

The SUARAM Human Rights Report on Civil and Political Rights 2007 documents these human rights violations and the unrelenting struggles of human rights defenders to promote democracy and human rights in Malaysia.

A KL guide

2008-06-16T13:46:00.000+08:00

The Kuala Lumpur Complete Residents' Guide (RM 75.50)

The foreword to The Kuala Lumpur Complete Residents' Guide says:
Whether you are only just starting to think about moving to Kuala Lumpur, or reading this on the plane, or you're an old-time expat who's lived there for years, well done for picking up the right book. It's not really meant for tourists who are looking for the best Twin Tower photo op -- it's written for you, the intrepid resident who knows the value of year-round sunshine.

The Kuala Lumpur Complete Residents' Guide has been meticulously researched and written by a team of seven city experts – some locals, some expats – who not only know the city inside out, but love it too... This talented bunch have scoured all areas to bring you the lowdown on all the things that are most important to a resident of Kuala Lumpur...

Although the book is aimed at expatriate residents, having glanced through the volume, we find that there are lots of information in there (not in the eleast of it, telephone numbers) suitable for locals as well. Let's face it, there are many parts of KL even people who have lived here for 50 years don't know about.

Debut fiction

2008-05-15T17:24:00.000+08:00

Evening is the Whole Day by Preeta Samarasan (Estimated Retail Price: RM 59.90) (The price is an estimate only based on books of similar nature. At the time of writing the distributor has not brought the books in yet.)

Set in Malaysia, this spellbinding and already internationally acclaimed debut introduces us to the prosperous Rajasekharan family as its closely guarded secrets are slowly peeled away.

When Chellam, the family's rubber-plantation-bred servant girl, is dismissed for unnamed crimes, her banishment is the latest of a series of recent, precipitous losses that have shaken six-year-old Aasha's life. A few short weeks before, Aasha's grandmother Paati passed away under mysterious circumstances and her older sister, Uma, departed for the Columbia University -- leaving Aasha alone to cope with her mostly absent father, her bitter mother, and her impertubable older brother.

Beginning with Aasha's granfather's ascension from Indian coolie to illustrious resident of the Big House on Kingfisher Lane, and going on to tell the story of how Appa, the family's Oxford-educated patriarch, courted Amma, the humble girl next door, Evening is the Whole Day moves gracefully backward and forward in time to answer the many questions that haunt the family: What was Chellam's unforgivable crime? Why was Uma so intent on leaving? How and why did Paati die? What did Aasha see? And underscoring all these mysteries: What ultimately became of Appa's once grand dreams for his family and his country?

Sweeping in scope, sumptuously lyrical, and masterfully constructed, Evening is the Whole Day offers an unflinching look at relationships between parents and children, brothers and sisters, the wealthy and the poor, a country and its citizens -- and the ways in which each sometimes fails the other. Illuminating in heartbreaking detail one Indian immigrant family's secrets and lies while exposing the complex underbelly of Malaysia itself, Preeta Samarasan's debut is a mesmerizing and vital achievement sure to earn her place alongside Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai and Zadie Smith.

Aweks KL

2008-04-15T14:58:00.000+08:00

Aweks Kl by various writers (Stormkitchen, RM 15.00)

A collection of new writing in Malay, done mostly by Malay women in Malaysia (because we simply didn't get enough submissions to make it an all-female book). The short stories and poems permit us the slightest of peeks into the mind of the modern Malay woman which, like the forbidden glimpse of a thigh, has been hitherto consigned to the backrooms of society as it is with children, to be only seen and not heard.

Included as a bonus are three previously unpublished stories by literary superstar Dina Zaman. Also featuring the talented Tifani Teh in her literay debut, the heavenly working class prose of Bimme S, the earthy music of Australia's Marlyn King, and the sad, bad, and dangerous lament of the Iranian, Fatemeh Zargar.

The books is available at Silverfish Books. Now!

Iban textiles

2008-03-31T14:49:00.001+08:00

Iban Ritual Textile by Traude Gavin (RM 75.00)

Iban ritual textile draws on years of fieldwork and the author's documentation of the hundrds of Iban cloths. Topics include the ritual functions of Iban ikat-patterned fabric; the technical aspects of producing such cloths, as well as the dynamics of the complex of weaving (the power and efficacy of cloth patterns, dreams and charms) that can be subject to human interpretation and regulation. The main focus however is on the cloth patterns themselves and on the names assigned to them. Here the author challenges some long held misconceptions, in particular the notion of designs as a 'primitive form of language'. From this novel perspective, the role of weavers as technicians is set off against the power of patterns as an index for a weaver's relative rank. The study moves on to examine the
association of female prestige and weaving with the parallel structure of male status and headhunting. Findings further are discussed in the context of former and more recent intellectual frameworks.

Iban ritual textile is the first in-depth study of the ikat-patterned cloth based on extensive field research and should be of interest to anthropologists, art historians and scholars with an interest in the textile tradition of Southeast Asia.

Dr Traude Gavin is a freelance researcher and lecturer and lives in Great Britain.

History

2008-02-29T14:42:00.000+08:00

Prince of Pirates by Carl A Trocki (RM 46.00)

No country's history is so well documented yet so poorly understood as that of a former colony. Singapore and Malaysia are particular victims of this historical paradox, and Carl Trocki's account of the history of Johor and Singapore marks a decided advance in Malaysian scholarship. A study of the Temenggongs of Johor, Prince of Pirates offers an original and highly provocative reinterpretation of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Malaysian history, revealing continuities between the pre-colonial and colonial periods that have been obscured by attention given to the European intrusion.

This new edition includes a fresh introduction by the author that positions the study within subsequent literature on Malaysian history, the Chinese migration, the opium trade and history of the British Empire in Asia. It also explains the role the book played in pioneering a number of important initiatives in Malaysian studies.

It's raining books

2008-02-15T10:49:00.000+08:00

Title:Kasut Biru Rubina
Author: Sufian Abas
Publisher: Sang Freud Press
ISBN:
Price: MYR15.00
(This book is in Malay)

A woman wakes up without her body. A boy tries to endure the pain of being an adult when mini animals start to come out of his anus. What do you do when angels forgot to bring a unicorn for your daughter's birthday? And are all shoes evil or just the blue ones?

Many of the characters in Kasut Biru Rubina want to live ordinary lives. But the unexpected happen. Brief, shocking, and full of lies that can only come from the twisted mind of Nigerian scammers, Sufian Abas' stories are snapshots that illuminate the strange hidden in a world we never want to live in.

Title:New Malaysian Essays 1
Series Editor: Amir Muhammad
Authors: Brian Yap, Aminuddin Mahmud, Burhan Baki, Saharil
Hasrin Sanin, Amir Muhammad & Sonia Randhawa.
Publisher: Matahari Books (2008). Pages 254,
ISBN: 987-983-43596-1-4
Price: MYR30.00

New Malaysian Essays 1 is the first of a planned annual seriesconcentrating on local non-fiction writing. From polemic to ode to memoir, this series invites Malaysian readers - and writers - to notice, analyse and interpret the living, throbbing, squelching vitality around them. Multi-disciplinary, multi-tasking and bestappreciated on multi-vitamins, this first collection takes us from Brian Yap's election-era critique to Amir Muhammad's alternative lexicon by way of Burhan Baki's elegant deconstructions, Aminuddin Mahmud's seminar on branding and Saharil Hasnin Sanin's knockabout ruminations on language [in Malay] before rounding off with Sonia Randhawa's stirring call for national (and therefore personal) self-realisation.

Amir Muhammad and three of his friends will read and discuss the book at Silverfish Books on the 23rd of February 2008, at 5.30 pm. (See 'Events'.)

Both these books can be purchased online at http://www.silverfishbooks.com/Silverfish/Version4/buybooks/BuyBooks.html

Sin and Politics

2008-01-29T12:28:00.000+08:00

The Book of Sins: Poetry and Prose by Bernice Chauly (Price : RM 24.00). (Sorry, the earlier price shown, as RM25, was wrong. Our apologies.)

Structured loosely around the concept of the "7 Deadly Sins", Chauly's second collection of poems examine the depth and complexity of human experience, maneuvering its way through a range of issues and events that have left profound effects on the poet. Largely confessional in nature, issues like marriage, motherhood, are scrutinised in the first section of "sins" and further explorations of the self are portrayed symbolically and metaphorically in the middle section called "contemplation". The work comes to a resolve under "virtues" where an impending death heralds a forgiveness between mother and daughter and prompts a prophetic summation of the themes at work in this collection.

The Old House & Other Stories by Chuah Guat Eng (RM 28.00)

The Old House and Other Stories brings together 9 Malaysian short stories in English written between 1992 and 2002. Most of the stories have appeared in various local and foreign publications and anthologies. Three of them are being published in Malaysia for the first time. With this collection the stories are more readily accessible to students and scholars of Malaysian literature in English and to the general reading public. Professor Quayum adds a literary dimension to this accessibility with his Introduction, where he discusses the stories' major themes, among them child abuse, greed, hypocrisy, superstition and prejudice. These themes reflect the author's social concerns, which are dealt with in the stories without racial or gender bias, demonstrating her neutrality, objectivity and sense of realism. To provide some insight onto the author's philosophy of life and her relationship with religion, race and literary criticism, Professor Quayum's 2005 interview with Chuah Guat Eng is included in this volume.

History

2008-01-15T14:46:00.000+08:00

Penang Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways: Municipal Transport History 1880s-1963 by Ric Francis & Colin Ganley (RM 50.00)

With over 100 old photographs, maps and illustrations, this book gives an overview of the various forms of public transport used in George Town from 1880s to 1963, and the role this transport played in the development of the growth of George Town and Penang.

Penang was one of the first urban centres in Southeast Asia to operate steam trams, horse trams, electric trams and trolleybuses. When the Municipal Commission established its own electric supply, it took over the tram service and started the electric trams in George Town in 1906. This gave the local population excellent public transport around George Town, with one line going up to Ayer Itam. In the late 1920s, the Municipality replaced trams with trolley-buses, experimenting for a while with re-conditioned double-deckers from London Transport!

The Municipality also operated two railways -- firstly, the Penang Hill Railway which was considered an engineering marvel when it was first built, and secondly, the electric railway which transported supplies and tin ingots for Penang's foremost smelting works.

History

2008-01-01T19:57:00.000+08:00

Chronicle of Malaysia (1957-2007): Fifty Years of Headline News (RM 120.00, DVD included)

The Chronicle of Malaysia is the Story of Malaysia from January 1957 to 31st August 2007, a vivid, eyewitness account of major news events over the last 50 years. The book gives a grandstand view of events as they unfolded -- the raising of the Malayan flag, the Emergency, the formation of Malaysia, Confrontation, the 1969 riots, political upheavals, financial crisis, judicial landmarks, great sporting moments, cultural delights -- and quirky aspects of daily life
that just happened to make the news. It is history made alive.

Along with the year-by-year review of major news stories from Peninsula, Singapore (from 1963 to 1965) and the Borneo states, there is also a timeline of international events, including developments in other parts of the region.

The Chronicle of Malaysia begins with an Introduction by historian Cheah Boon Kheng who gives a short but authoritative history of the Malay lands from early times to Independence. This is proceeded by a brief Foreword by Tun Mohamed Hanif Omar, a former (and the longest-serving) Inspector General of Police, who puts the whole story into perspective.

The news is interspersed with inimitable cartoons by Lat that have appeared in books and newspapers over the past three decades as well as new drawings specially commissioned.

Research sources for this book included Malaysian newspapers from all the language streams. Foreign publications provided another angle. Photographs, too, came from a variety of archives and greatly enlivened the 'slice of life' that the book provides.

Memories of Trengganu

2007-12-16T10:29:00.000+08:00

Growing Up in Trengganu by Awang Goneng (RM 39.90)

Growing Up in Trengganu started life as the blog of Awang Goneng (pen name for writer Wan A. Hulaimi) until it was found to be too good to exist only in cyberspace. Through a collection of memories retold in glorious colour, Awang Goneng evokes the pleasures of a kampung childhood for the benefit of new generations brought up in air-conditioned condominiums. Listen to the azan call to prayer from the surau of Haji Mat Kerinci, order satay with toast for breakfast, meet notables such as Tun Long the laundry man and Cik Wook Payong Locoh, whose umbrella turned inside out in a storm, and relive the pleasure of hearing the rain hammer down on a corrugated-iron roof while reading The Beano and eating kuih putu.

Sultans, sweetmeat sellers and shopkeepers all act as springboards as you meander through Trengganu history, and by the end of this book you will have painlessly mastered the 'Trengganuspeak' that foils even fellow Malaysians.

Collectible Cards

2007-11-30T07:41:00.000+08:00

The Negaraku 1957-2007 collection

Five Arts Centre has released the Negaraku 1957-2007 collection, a set of 25 all purpose greeting cards featuring Malaysian artists for this holiday season (and any after that). Here is an excerpt from their website:

The arts are among our best instructors. They help us understand and feel understood. Through stories, written, spoken, sung, danced and illustrated, they help us connect, beyond race, culture, gender and economic circumstances, to our human condition. Reminding us that we are more similar than we are different.

In Malaysia, our diversity is a blessing and lesson in abundance. Countless artists have given voice to the heart and psyche of our nation using both traditional and modern art forms. They are an archive of the soul of a nation, offering a plurality of views of the Malaysian experience at different points in our collective history.

The cards are sold at RM20.00 for a set of five different cards (with thumbnail images behind each pack to make it easier for you to chose). They are well printed, packaged and lovely. You would probably want to buy the whole set for yourself. Instead of sending cards featuring fake snow on fake Chistmas trees, send your friends one of these 'postcards of Malaysia' this holiday season. They will want to collect the whole set too.

Malaysian Lit in English

2007-11-20T14:38:00.000+08:00

News from Home

by Chua Kok Yee, Shih-Li Kow and Rumaizah Abu Bakar has been a long
time coming.

Ever since Silverfish Books started publishing activities in 2001, we have been continually asked about the next big thing, namely the next big Malaysian writer. We gave a lot of people hope. While the Silverfish New Writing series was a tremendous success (and it still is very popular) it did not bring to the surface the multitudes of Malaysian writers hiding in the woodwork, waiting for an opportunity to be discovered and be published. The Silverfish New Writing series remains a snapshot of Malaysians writing in English, though we have begun to question its relevance in unearthing new authors.

The Silverfish Writing Programme is an entirely different initiative, the purpose of which was to give writers an opportunity to not just to get published but, also, guiding and training them. The Programme started in June 2006 and we now present to you the first three writers in print. Chua Kok Yee attended the first one, Shih-Li Kow the third, and Rumaizah Abu Bakar the fourth. We are as excited as the writers themselves with this project.

Ten stories were selected from each writer for this book. (Yes, they all have many more that they have completed and many more they are still working on.) Ten stories, we felt, would be a nice number to introduce each of them to Malaysian readers, each with their own distinct Malaysian voice, and each with a slightly different story to tell and way of telling it. These are all writers to look forward to, writers who are genuinely Malaysian and modern. At the time of writing this, they are all working on their own 'solo' efforts which they hope to complete next year.

Chua Kok Yee, who is from Ipoh, manages a cosmetic company in his day job, having graduated from the University of Malaya in 1995. He says he doesn't have a life anymore considering how he says he spends all his spare time now reading and writing. Gothic tales of horror, tender love stories or tongue-in-cheek retelling of fairy tales, Chua Kok Yee does it all. Is he our own Murakami?

Shih-Li Kow holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and currently works for a property developer to pay her bills. But her passion is writing and is a distinctive stylist who is clever and yet charming. Her work defies categorization. I thought Peach Blossom Luck was a gem until I read Don't Depend on Me, and then A Job to Love, and Pak Hassan's Story, and ... All of them different, all of them little jewels. She makes her point not with a smash-down-your-head sledgehammer style but with deft nicks of a rapier.

Rumaizah Abu Bakar describes herself as a Public Relations professional with a degree in Accountancy. Rumaizah is a writer who is all heart, who so obviously loves the people she writes about, whether it is Shanti the hotel room-cleaner, or Chef Chen the highly principled hotel cook, or Aunt Aini who lost in love but never fell out of it, and a host of others. She joined the Silverfish Writing Programme later than the other two but has made remarkable progress, especially over the past few months.

If there is one thing the three writers have in common, it is their dogged determination to succeed and their work ethic. Whenever they failed they tried and tried again, refusing to be discouraged and taking every harsh criticism as a challenge.

This volume is the first in, what we hope will be, a series unearthing new generations of writers who can hold their own against the rest of the world, and still remain distinctly Malaysian.

News from Home is the first book to carry the 'Malaysian Literature in English' sticker, a new initiative to promote Malaysian literature within the country and overseas. We have, in the past, already published several books in this category including Lloyd Fernando, Salleh ben Joned and Huzir Sulaiman. We believe Malaysian literature has what it takes to earn international recognition with its uniqueness.

Language

2007-11-01T16:43:00.000+08:00

A Guide for the English Language Teacher by Maya Khemlani David (RM 18.00)

This book is based on my experiences as a language teacher for over twenty years and some of the chapters have been adapted and revised from early research papers and articles. This book starts with a description of the socio-historical backdrop of language policies in multilingual, multiracial Malaysia. Having to cater to national, international and diverse ethnic interest has not been an easy task vis-a-vis language policies but a vigilant government has endured that policies changed and change with changing scenarios and demands. Keeping aligned with evolving needs is necessary as languages empower individuals and nations to progress both socially and economically - Maya Khemlani David.

History, Society

2007-10-15T12:46:00.000+08:00

East of Kinabalu by Leslie Davidson (RM 30.00)

Datuk Leslie Davidson, one of the giants of the oil palm industry in the second half of the twentieth century is the best known for his leading role in introducing to S.E. Asia the pollinating weevil. This has saved the industry millions of dollars annually in assisted pollination.

He was also responsible in the 1960's for bringing oil palm to Sabah on a commercial scale, opening up Tungud Estate for Unilever on what was then the remote east coast.

This volume relates his pioneering experiences in the development. Davidson's account contains episodes which are by turn hilarious, deeply moving, and important from both historical and literary points of view. They also attest to his leadership in creating out of a disparate range of races and religions, a stable and harmonious estate community.

The book vividly captures the atmosphere of Sabah before and immediately after it became part of Malaysia.

The Art of Politics

2007-09-28T17:24:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Politicians Say the Darndest Things (Vol 1) by Amir Muhammad (RM 30.00)

The species called the Malaysian politician often gets in the news, but sometimes not for the right reasons. Malaysian Politicians Say the Darndest Things is a collection of over 100 quotes that span almost three decades. There are things that make you go hmmm, things that make you go gaga, and things that give a refreshingly pithy introduction to several issues of their time. It is a jaunty stroll through contemporary Malaysian culture, society and (of course) politics. We are sure there is more to come, which is why this is only Vol 1.

If Only by Shahril Nizam (RM 35.00)

This is the first collection of Shahril Nizam's quirky illustrations, accompanied by equally quirky verses of his own composition. In Shahril's world mundane things never are, light is edged by dark, and beauty is often glaringly flawed.

Calendar 2008:

2007-09-28T16:47:00.000+08:00

Calendar 2008:The Deaf Art project

This beautiful 16 inch by 16 inch DEAF Art Wall calendar for 2008 is now available at Silverfish Books. Consisting of reprints of 12 original paintings and displaying the artistic talents of 6 deaf artists in the country, the calendar is priced at PM30.00. Silverfish believes that the Mission deserves our support for their work so that we can all, in a small way, make a difference in the lives of the deaf in this country.

In the words of the Mission, the calendar is unique in that it also incorporates some uniqueness of their language.

One of the visions of the Mission is to make a difference in the livelihood of deaf persons.

The Mission aims to:

Provide Career and Business Opportunities for the Deaf
Set up future businesses to be managed by the Deaf
Consultancy and Training for the Deaf
Community Awareness Projects
Sign Language Interpreting Services
Skill Enhancement Workshops for Sign
Language Interpreters
Sign Language Courses
Form a Network with Employers who have hired Deaf Employees
Encourage Employers to hire Deaf persons
Provide Employers with assistance on guidelines for interviewing and working with Deaf persons
Deaf Studies

Silverfish Books is happy to work with the mission on this project. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar 2008 will, of course, go to RC Deaf Missions Malaysia in support of their work with the deaf in the country.

Please visit their website: http://www.rcdeafmissionsmalaysia.com/ for more information or to pledge support.

New Books - History

2007-09-01T15:48:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Heritage series:

This is a new series on Malaysian history (many of them on East Malaysia). The 12-volume series comprises of:

(This is a new series by the Synergy Media (a wing of SA Majid). The first lot is a release of 12 out of print Malaysian (or Malayan titles) titles although the authenticity of the original print dates quoted in the book is rather questionable. For example J Kennedy's History of Malaya is 1963 book although the copyright page has a nineteenth century date on it. This brings up another issue: this particular book is available online from Sage Journals as PDF download for a fee. So who owns the copyright and has this been resolved before publication of the current series? (I have not checked the other titles.)

Notwithstanding the above we are glad that an attempt is being made to publish these classics. Many of them are on East malaysia and are well worth acquiring (for collecting if nothing else). The quality is not brilliant but that can be forgiven because the prices are affordable. The text and the illustrations appear to be have been reproduced in toto so that should be okay too.)

1. River of the White Lily: Life in Sarawak by Peter Goulart - RM29.90

2. Escape from Hell: The Sandakan Story by Walter Wallace (1958) - RM29.90

3. Labuan Story: Memoirs of a Small Island near the Coast of North Borneo by Maxwell Hall - RM29.90

4. Records & Recollections 1889-1934 by J.H.M. Robson (1870) - RM29.90

5. The Story of Malaysia by Harry Miller (1914) - RM39.90

6. Expedition to Borneo: The search for Proboscis monkeys and other creatures by David Macdonald - RM39.90

7. Under Chartered Company Rule: North Borneo 1881-1946 by K.G. Tregonning - RM39.90

8. History of Malaya by J. Kennedy (1919) - RM59.90

9. The White Rajahs by Steven Runciman (1903) - RM59.90

10. World Within: A Borneo Story by Tom Harrisson - RM59.90

11. A History of Sarawak under its Two White Rajahs 1839-1908 by S. Baring-Gould and C.A. Bampfylde - RM69.90

12. Rajahs and Rebels: The Ibans of Sarawak under Brooke Rule, 1841-1941 by Robert Pringle (1936) - RM69.90

Paintings

2007-08-16T15:57:00.000+08:00

Artistic Imperatives: Selected Writings and Paintings by Jolly Koh (RM 80.00)

Dr Jolly Koh studied painting at Hornsey College of Art, London and art education at the Institute of Education, London University. In 1970 he was awarded the Fulbright scholarship and completed the Doctor of Education degree at Indiana University.

The collection of essays in this book represents the sharp and creative mind of one of Malaysia's most outstanding artists. Especially original is his essay "A New Study of Colour for artists and other Visual Designers" which is unique in the world and should rival Itten's work on colour.

The collection of essays and the book itself also represents a rare phenomenon in Malaysia for three reasons. First, Jolly Koh is the only Malaysian artist who has published on theoretical issues. Second, this is one of the very few books about Malaysian art in contrast to the many catalogues. And third, this is the first book of tis kind that comprises both
artist's paintings and writings.

Politics

2007-07-31T15:50:00.000+08:00

Memoir Abdullah C.D. (Bahagian Kedua): Penaja dan Pemimpin Rejimen Ke-10 (RM 35.00)

(This is the second part of the memoir of Abdullah CD's - a former leader of the guerrilla movement during the Emergency, who now lives in his old age in a village in southern Thailand, who is featured in Amir Muhammad's movie, Apa Khabar Orang Kampong, which is banned in Malaysia. The book is written in Malay.)

Penaja dan Pemimpin Rejimen Ke-10, Memoir Abdullah C.D. bahagian kedua ini secara khusus memfokuskan kepada perjuangan bersenjata menentang penjajah British untuk kemerdekaan Malaya kini Malaysia yang bermula pada bulan Jun 1948.

Secara umum bolehlah disimpulkan perjuangan bersenjata Anti-British adalah akibat wajar dari kesedaran nasional dan patriotisme Malaya yang mulai berkembang pada tahun 30-an. Perang Dunia Kedua telah mempertingkatkan kesedaran tersebut ke tahap yang lebih tinggi. Selepas tamat perang tersebut, gerakan kemerdekaan yang diterajui oleh PKM, PKMM, API, AWAS, BTM, Kesatuan2 Buruh dan lain-lain berkembang menggelora.

Sesuai dengan tajuk Penaja dan Pemimpin Rejimen Ke-10, Abdullah C.D. tidak hanya menubuhkan Rejimen Ke-10, tetapi juga telah memimpin pasukan itu melancarkan perjuangan
tak kenal ampun menentang kekuasaan penjajah British. Tahun 1953, atas perintah Markas Agung TPNM, beliau memimpin sebahagian pasukan Rejimen Ke-10 menempuh berbagai rintangan dan tiba di kawasan sempadan dengan jayanya. Sejak itu beliau pula bertungkus lumus memimpin pasukan membangun basis sempadan demi meneruskan perjuangan
sehinggalah wujudnya penandatanganan perjanjian damai Haadyai pada tahun 1989.

Politics/Society

2007-07-16T14:53:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Human Rights Report 2006: Civil and Political Rights by SUARAM (RM 19.00)

The year 2006, the third year of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's term in office, was marked by a continuing lack of resolve tp improve civil liberties despite his pledges to fight corruption and to reform the police force ... Throughout the year, blatant abuses of power by enforcement personnel were rampant. The police continue to act with impunity, resulting in scores of unlaeful detention, deaths in custody, police brutality and various other forms of police misconduct ... As in previous years, the government continued to use restrictive and repressive laws, including the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Ememrgency Ordinance (EO), the Police Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA), the Official Secrets Act (OSA), the Sedition Act, and the Universities and University Colleges
Act (UUCA), as tools to suppress voices of dissent ... A particularly disturbing trend witnessed during the year was the growing intolerance in matters of religion. There was also an increase in human rights abuse against migrants in the country.

The SUARAM Human Rights Report on Civil and Political Rights 2006 documents the human rights violations and the relentless struggles of human rights defenders that took place in Malaysia over the course of the year. The book is published to serve as an important reference to the aspiration of enhancing and promoting human rights in Malaysia.

Politics/Ethnicity

2007-07-02T14:30:00.000+08:00

Understanding the Ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia by Leo Suryadinata (RM 69.00)

About 80 per cent of the ethnic Chinese outside China (also known as "Chinese overseas") live in Southeast Asia including Malaysia. This book examines that community in the context of both national and international dimensions. It first discuss the ethnic Chinese and China, addressing the issues of migration, nationality, business success and ethnic conflict; second, Chinese cultural adaptation and various identities; and third, case studies of the Chinese in Indonesia, external actors, the state and ethnic Chinese politics. The book throws light on the complexity of this diverse and important ethnic community.

While the bulk of the book examines the Chinese situation in Indonesia, a significant part of the book looks at the pernakan Chinese of Macacca, Singapore and Penang. These 15 essays, by the author were written from 1987 to 2006, ranging from ethnic politics, economy, ethnic and national identies to China ethnic-Chinese relations.

Politics/History

2007-05-31T15:15:00.000+08:00

May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riot of 1969 by Kua Kia Soong
(RM 20.00)

This is the first credible account of the May 13, 1969 racial riot in Malaysia using the documents recently declassified at the Public Records Office, London after the lapse of the 30-year secrecy rule. These documents provide the only available confidential observations and memoranda by British and other foreign embassy operatives based on their intelligence and contacts with local officials and politicians. They include dispatches by correspondents which were then banned in Malaysia. The local media were suspended at the time and local documents remain classified under the Official Secrets Act.

A social scientist, Kua Kia Soong provides a fresh political analysis of this "May 13 incident". In his view, the riots were by no means a spontaneous outburst of violence between Malays and Chinese but rather a planned coup d'etat by the ascendant state capitalist class against Tunku-led aristocracy. He discusses the contradictions of the post-Independence Alliance racial formula and traces the rise of this new Malay capitalist class which has ruled Malaysia since 1969.

These documents clearly show who were responsible for the violence and pose the question, why the security forces allowed the violence to go on. With this publication, it is hoped that the frequently raised "spectre of May 13" by the Barisan Nasional government will be forever put to rest.

So is the book getting banned? Read this: http://www.silverfishbooks.com/2007/05/may-13-book.html

Fiction, humour

2007-05-17T12:05:00.000+08:00

Confessions of an Old Boy by Kam Raslan (RM 32.00)

We have been waiting for this book for a a while. We have not had time to read it yet, so here is the blurb from the back page:

Dato' Hamid - The Old Boy and civil servant who's been everywhere and seen it all (even though he never wanted to). Here he 'spills the beans' on his adventures dating back to the 1940s, from Kuala Lumpur to Monte Carlo, Los Angeles to Algiers, London to Temerloh Rest House and much more. Along the way, Dato' Hamid tussles with a beautiful seductress-cum diamond thief; is corrupted by a ruthlessly ambitious banker; and help solve the murder of a billionaire businessman. And all the time he wishes he were back at home tending his orchids and nursing his favourite cognac.

Shameless, exciting and funny, Dato' Hamid's life and adventures chart the financial, political and amorous relationships that have made Malaysia what it is today.

You'll never meet anyone quite like Dato' Hamid, but You'll know him.

Politics/History

2007-05-01T17:31:00.000+08:00

Gold in the South ... the story of an immigrant
by Shan Ru Hong (21st Century, 2007)
Price: RM20.00

(A review. The reviewer who prefers to remain anonymous)

The beginnings

SHAN RU HONG'S FAMILY, reduced to penury by lack of land and an opium smoking father, were lucky. A relative told them there was work and gold in the south seas. With what was left of their money they sailed south in the hold of a ship and landed in Singapore, and put up at Kreta Ayer, where many desperate ones from their area had also come. After the quarantine procedures the relative disappeared, leaving them to fend for themselves in the strange town. There was no work and no food. Sympathising hawkers gave them left overs like iu char koay and pak t'ong ko which helped with the hunger. Then mother and elder sister earned money carrying water for a few cents a time. They slept where they could.

As luck would have it, the missing relative did return with good news - they had relatives up North who had a tin mine. He would ask for their help. That was good news which resulted in their taking the train to Gopeng, Perak. There, father had a job in a mine and mother and elder sister were employed to clear the land of bush and other unwanted growths. The "gold" they had heard about back in the home village was in fact tin which made uncle rich, operating a profitable tin mine. The boy Ru Hong was able to go to school which he leapfrogged with double promotions; but he did not finish for he had to go out and work too.

When he was about 17, Ru Hong became a revolutionary and decided to dedicate his life to the cause of the emancipation of the working class and socialism. He turned down the job of mine manager which uncle offered him and instead went underground. He joined the illegal Malayan Communist Party in whose ranks, unknown to him, was an earlier member Rashid Maidin, a charge man in an English mine at Gopeng. Rashid Maidin was to became one of the leaders of the Communist Party taking part in the so called Baling talks and in the tripartite peace talks in Hatyai in 1989. Ru Hong was to become the commander of the 2nd Regiment of the Malayan Peoples Anti Japanese Army.

One reason why this memoir is important is its account of the transformation of these impoverished immigrants into Malayans. One witnesses it on the occasion of the triumphant celebration of the registration, i.e. recognition, of the Perak Kinta Mine Workers Union which Ru Hong and friends had successfully set up. The organisers had invited the Chinese Consul and Tan Kah Kee (who did not attend) to the opening ceremony, which Ru Hong's group came to realise was a mistake as the event, as they conceived it, was not a Chinese celebration but local event.

Piglets

Ru Hong tells us of the slump of 1929 and the slow recovery of 1937. In those days the British made sure that there were no "trouble makers" to upset the vital production of rubber and tin. Arrests and banishment of suspects were feared. When police pressure increased friends of the revolution deserted. In addition to harassment by the administration the workers, called "piglets," were forced to work for the same boss despite having paid off their passage money. Among the thugs who kept them in virtual slavery was one Lau Pak Khuan, a tough who, by a stroke of luck, struck it rich when he dug into a wealth of tin.

These memoirs explode the myth about "Moscow trained agitators." It is the history of home made revolutionaries who learnt how to organise, teach and move with secrecy from the hard and merciless school of life. They learnt how to avoid special branch surveillance, they learnt patience and flexibility in steering the pioneer groups into recognition as legal trade unions, skills
which were acquired during hard negotiations with bosses. Bitter lessons taught them how to differentiate between correct tactics and blundering orders; they learnt to avoid the errors of rigid "leftist" orders with apparent compliance but which were in fact subtly disobedient. They discovered themselves that the "closed door" policy of the leadership was wrong, that they had to go out and work among all types of people, workers in the estates as well as on the mines, small farmers, workers who were also part farmers, and take in all views. This was the solid foundation that formed a stubborn, popular and victorious obstacle to Brazier and the British TUC's vain attempts to smash the independent trade unions in 1945.

When he wrote these memoirs Ru Hong was past his 80th birthday. He displays a remarkable memory. We learn that a rubber tapper with good trees earned $20 a month . In 1937 "fat" rice (most could only afford broken rice) cost $4.50 for a 165 kati bag Mine workers earned $29 a month and women workers $12.

This account of a destitute childhood and hand to mouth existence and a struggle to survive, typical of immigrants, is a must read for all whose forefathers headed here in search of work and rice. It should remind them to be charitable to the thousands of immigrants who have today come to this country in search of work but are treated as thieves, scoundrels and prostitutes. But we are sick with meanness best illustrated by the example of the late Dr Tan Chee Khoon who claimed that immigrants were the cause of much of the crime; and this came from one of the heads of the Labour Party and a leader of the Methodist Church. Compare his heartlessness to that of Austria, a country devastated by the 2nd World War, which generously opened its doors to some 3 million homeless and starving refugees without a whisper of complaint.

******

* fat rice - whole, unbroken rice

New books April 2007

2007-04-16T15:54:00.000+08:00

My Life: Chronicles of a wartime pilot and other stories (an authobiography) by Lim Kean Chong (RM 38.00)

The story of his [Lim Kean Chong] life, as a young and intrepid RAAF bomber pilot in World War II, operating in raids over Germany and Europe, his subsequent experiences working in China during the Cultural Revolution, and later in an African country - Tanzania - should make interested reading for those of us who have had no experiences of those parts. But it was not a life without its disappointments and frustrations. Nor is it a story devoid of pathos, when for instance, on returning to Australia after demobilization to rejoin Melbourne University as a second year student, he was asked by Immigration to register as an alien student, a victim of the White Australian policy. These are memories poignant in the telling thereof.

- Preface by PG Lim -

Song at Twilight by Chan King Nui (RM 20.00)

From living in Hong Kong as a child, to living in Siam and also in the Big House in Kuala Lumpur, the author shares her rich life experiences which will inspire many who read this book. The book continues with her pursuit of education and the interruption due to the Second World War when she lived in India.

Her experience as a teacher and meeting many people who later become important leaders in the political and corporate world is an interesting read. The author traveled to many parts of the world, learnt many types of art and craft, went through some very painful experiences and finally found God in her life.

The Encyclopedia of Malaysia, Volume 13: The Economy edited by Prof Dr H Osman Rani (RM 95.00)

This volume provides an in-depth insight into the dramatic transformation of Malaysia from an agrarian economy at Independence in 1957 into a diverse and triving manufacturing- service based economy in 2006.

The volume begins with an overview of Malaysia's economic history, covering the evolution of economic policies from post-Independence to 1970, the formulation of the New Econmic Policy (1971-90), the balanced growth thrusts of the 1990s and finally the shift towards a knowledge-based economy in the 21st century.

An extensive analysis of the various sectors of the economy follows. The rapid growth and modernization of the Malaysian economy is documented, beginning with the natural resources and agricultural sectors and moving into the manufacturing sectors. The services and financial sectors are then explored, focusing on the development of key sub-sectors.

The volume proceeds with a discussion of the infrastructure which supports Malaysia's economy, and the stable social framework that sustains its human resources.

The volume concludes by examining the macroeconomic policies implemented by various governmental bodies and agencies, and Malaysia's position in the rapidly globalizing world economy.

People, politics and poetry

2007-04-02T14:52:00.000+08:00

I am Muslim by Dina Zaman

I am Muslim is a selfish journey of faith. Dina meets shamans, nationalists, moderates and gets into all sorts of scrapes, to discover what it means to be Muslim in Malaysia. Heartbreaking, angry and downright funny.

A Noor. I am Muslim is Dina Zaman's first work of non-fiction.She has written for the media since 1994. Her first column, Dina's Dalca was published in the New Straits Times and she has had her share of brickbats. Her works of fiction and poetry have been published locally and abroad.

Dina Zaman's articles about being Muslim in Malaysia today captures the multifaceted aspects of difference and alterity in normative religios life better than many academic studies ...Dr Farish

Tanah Tujuh: Close Encounters with the Temuan Mythos by Antares

Tanah Tujuh is what a large number of Orang Asli tribes call our planet. Tanah Tujuh: Close Encounters with the Temuan Mythos chronicles Antares' initiation into a fast vanishing aboriginal cosmo-mythology that offers an alternative view of reality. Copiously illustrated with sketches and photographs, foreword by eminent anthropologist, Robert Knox Dentan.

Antares is a writer musician and visionary who moved out of the city in 1992 and found himself living amngst the Temuan (the second largest of the peninsular Orang Asli tribes) in the rainforest.

Adam's Dream by Salleh ben Joned

This is Salleh ben Joned's first book of poems since Sajak Sajak Saleh (or Poems Sacred and Profane) and it is entirely in English. Salleh says in his forward that, although English is not his first language - he only learned it in his teens - he has two main reasons for writing in English. Firstly, he thinks that a big majority of his readers seem to be non-Malays, and, secondly, "My satires in Malay, the use of humour, parody, irony ... puns ... and othr forms of word-play seem to have been taken wrongly by most of the Malay readers."

Adam's Dream is an intensely personal collection of poems, to make you laugh out loud or cry or to ponder over.

Salleh ben Joned was born in Melaka. He spent many years Down Under where he became a student of leading Australian poet James McAuley. His first collection of bilingual poetry, Sajak-Sajak Saleh (Teks) was published in 1987. [A second enlarged version was published by Pustaka Cipta in 2002.] It was followed by A book of essays, As I Please (Skoob, 1994) and Nothing is Sacred (Maya Press, 2003).

For free delivery anywhere in Malaysia. Click here.

A Malaysian Journey by Rehman Rashid (RM59.90)

2007-02-28T13:54:00.000+08:00

From the preface:
'I am at a happy loss to explain the continuing popularity of A Malaysian Journey, a work of non-fiction, comtemporary affairs, pop history and personal memoir, which was published in 1993, sold a few tens of thousands of copies in Malaysia and Singapore, turned my life inside-out, upside-down and back-to-front, and went out of print at the turn of the millennium...'

This is the story of a Malaysian born in the twilight of British Malaya, growingup in an independent Malaysia, attaining maturity as his nation approaches the turn of the millennium ... and this is the story of Malaysia's own growth, asseen through his eyes.

The historical and biographical narrative is interwoven with passages culled from a months-long journey through the nation as the narrator visits every Malaysian state, exploring his country and, in so doing, his own soul.

A Malaysian Journey is available at all major bookshops in the country. This book can also be purchased online from our secure payment gateway at http://www.silverfishbooks.com/Silverfish/Version4/buybooks/BuyBooks.asp post free to any address in Malaysia, and at USD3.00 to international destinations. (All delivery will be registered mail, so no PO Boxes please)

(This is the 6th reprint of this book. This book is a virtual Malaysian classic and we have had had so many queries. We are glad to have it back in print)

History, biography

2007-02-17T11:16:00.000+08:00

Brickfields: A Time, A Place, A Memory by Balan Moses (RM 30.00)

Brickfields: A Time, A Place, A Memory, is a first-person account of the childhood and teenage days of Balan Moses, a senior editor with the New Straits Times, in Brickfields.

He narrates the joys and sorrows of growing up between 1955 and 1970 in a middle-to-lower-middle-class neighbourhood with its pecularities, unforgettable personalities and unique ambience. He has tried to trace developments in the area over the period in question in a light, narrative manner.

His sense of humour, evident in the anecdotes and many unique experiences that he has sprinkled throughout the book, has helped bring Brickfields alive. Moses has taken readers by the hand for a stroll through Brickfields and through time so that they too can see and experience what he saw and experienced all those years ago.

This book is intended to provide the younger generation of today a glimpse of the halcyon days spent in a suburban in a newly-independent nation. It is a personal story of how a child grew into a teenager in a quaint area called Brickfields that is almost no more, except in the memories of the people who once called Brickfields home.

Politics/History

2007-01-30T15:35:00.000+08:00

The Reluctant Politician by Ooi Kee Beng (RM 68.00)

This is the long-awaited biography of Malaysia's powerful Home Affairs Minister and Deputry Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, who passed away of a heart attack on 2 August 1973. It is based on his provate papers and on numerous internviews with his relatives and with people who knew him well, including Ghafar Baba, Musa Hitam, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Robert Kuok, Lee Kwan Yew and Ghazalie Shafie. New perspectives are provided about the struggle for independence, Malaysia's relationship with Singapore, the origins of Southeast Asian regionalism, the internal conflicts of the ruling party UMNO, MCA-UMNO ties, the fatal illness of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the May 13 riots, and the New Economic Policy. This book contains not only new facts about Malaysian and Singaporean history, but also insights into the processes of decolonization and nation building.

Politics/Sociology

2006-12-30T18:15:00.000+08:00

Other Malays by Joel S. Kahn (RM 85.50)

This new reading of constructions of ethnicity in Malaysia and Singapore is an important contribution to understanding the powerful linkages between ethnicity, religious reforms, identity and nationalism in multi-ethnic Southeast Asia.

The narrative of Malay identity devised by Malay nationals, writers and filmmakers in the late colonial period associated Malayness with the village or kampung, envisaged as static, ethnically homogenous, classless, indigenous, subsistence-oriented, rural, embedded in family and community, and loyal to a royal court. Joel Kahn challenges the kampung version of Malayness, arguing that it ignores the immigration of Malays from outside the peninsula to participate in trade and commercial agriculture, the substantial Malay population in towns and cities, and the reformist Muslims who argued for a common bond in Islam. Owing to a rising dissatisfaction with the established order and new modernist sensitivities, especially among
younger generation, the author argues that it is time to revisit the alternative, more cosmopolitan narrative of Malayness.