October 26, 2009 18:38 PM

Publication On Singaporean, Malaysian Literature Launched

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- A two-volume publication on the collection of critical essays on Singaporean and Malaysian literature from the mid-20th century onwards was launched here Monday.

The publication, 'Sharing Borders: Studies in Contemporary Singaporean-Malaysian Literature (I & II)', was produced by the National Library Board (NLB), in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC) and supported by the National Book Development Council of Singapore.

NLB deputy chief executive Ngian Lek Choh and NAC chief executive officer Benson Puah launched the publication at The Arts House here.

Ngian said, apart from preserving the city-state's literary heritage and promoting a better appreciation of Singaporean literature in English, the publication also gave insights to the origins of the literary works by the Singaporean and Malaysian writers to understand how the literature of both countries had evolved.

The publication, under the general editorship of Emeritus Professor at the National University of Singapore, Edwin Thumboo, is regarded by the publishers as one of the most comprehensive accounts to date, on Singaporean and Malaysian literature in English.

Apart from the assessment of single authors, surveys and special topics, it provides essential background information to the literary works, and traces their origins and how significant themes in the two nations' literature evolved and were articulated.

The publication also reflects how succeeding generations of writers from the time of each country's independence had shown greater freedom and confidence, exploiting the possibilities of the English language.

Each volume of the publication has essays by 30 scholars and practitioners, which include some of the most distinguished names in the field, from Singapore's Arthur Yap, Lee Tzu Pheng and Catherine Lim to Malaysia's Shirley Lim Geok-Lin, Ee Tiang Hong and Lee Kok Liang.

The first volume was edited by Mohammad A. Quayum and Wong Phui Nam and features writers who began as Malayans in spirit and were tied to the struggles for a regional and later, a national self-image.

The second volume, edited by Gwee Li Sui, turns to writers and groups who have emerged in both countries since Singapore's independence.

The publication is for sale at S$40 (paperback) and S$50 (hardcover) for each volume at local bookstores.

-- BERNAMA

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