Distinguished Malaysians gather at Monash University Malaysia to honour the enduring legacy of Adibah Amin
Aishah Ali during her brief introduction to Adibah Amin and her work.
The stories of celebrated Malaysian journalist, writer and educator Khalidah Adibah Amin should be introduced to younger generations through the school curriculum, as her work offers enduring lessons on national unity, tolerance and the shared experiences that connect Malaysians, said former Federal Court Judge and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Tan Sri Datuk Zainun Ali.
Speaking at A Tribute to Adibah Amin: Book Reading at Monash University Malaysia today, Tan Sri Datuk Zainun said Adibah Amin's writing remained deeply relevant at a time when Malaysia continued to grapple with questions of race, religion and social cohesion.
"Currently, there is a seeming lack of understanding and tolerance of race and religion. If some agency can be moved to incorporate stories written by Adibah Amin in schools, as part of the curriculum, it will go a long way towards planting the seeds of nationalism in the hearts and minds of our children and young people," she said.
Drawing a parallel between Adibah Amin's accessible writing style and that of renowned British judge Lord Denning, Tan Sri Datuk Zainun said the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly was a quality shared by both writers.
"Adibah Amin's writing style compares favourably with that of Lord Denning's and concomitantly, both Adibah Amin's and Lord Denning's writing style made their respective work readily accessible to everyone, especially to lay persons," she said.
Tan Sri Zainun Ali during her speech at the event.
She also described 'As I Was Passing' as a collection whose significance would endure beyond the time in which it was written.
"It is not an understatement to say that Adibah Amin's collection of stories in 'As I Was Passing' is precious. These stories will remain, and unlike Ozymandias, Adibah Amin's footprints in the sands of time will not be extinguished but will live on. Because some stories are stories of the hour, whilst some are for all times. Adibah Amin's 'As I Was Passing' belongs squarely to the latter," she said.
The tribute brought together distinguished figures from journalism, literature, education, the arts and civil society to celebrate the legacy of Adibah Amin, who was unable to attend due to ill health.
A recipient of the Southeast Asian Writers Award, Adibah Amin is widely recognised for her contributions as a journalist, novelist, educator and translator. Her much-loved 'As I Was Passing' columns, written under the pen name Sri Delima and published in the New Straits Times during the 1970s and 1980s, captured the humour, warmth and humanity of everyday Malaysian life.
The event opened with remarks by Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, who said the university was pleased to celebrate Adibah Amin's work and the richness of Malaysia's literary and cultural heritage.
"We received a copy of this commemorative legacy edition and felt we should celebrate her work here. Reading her columns, sharing a chuckle, and remembering the small pleasures of good writing are simple acts of goodwill that keep her voice alive," said Professor Adeeba.
Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman providing the opening speech to the event.
While Monash is often seen as a STEM-focused university, she said the university also sought to "integrate and embody the richness of Malaysia and celebrate the talents and achievements of Malaysians".
Professor Adeeba also contributed the foreword to the commemorative legacy edition of As I Was Passing, reflecting on the influence of Adibah Amin's writing and its enduring appeal to readers across generations.
For veteran journalist and media consultant Aishah Ali, Adibah Amin's influence was both personal and profound. Aishah, who spent 30 years with the New Straits Times, said Adibah's writing was a major influence on her decision to pursue journalism.
"I chose journalism as my calling because I was inspired by Kak Adib. Her column, 'As I Was Passing', was more than a passing obsession with me, that every Wednesday morning when her column appeared, I would wait for the New Straits Times before my father could get hold of it! Kak Adib's column spoke to me. It made me cry, laugh and most of all, it taught me the phenomenal power of words," she said.
Aishah also reflected on the role Adibah Amin's writing played in fostering a sense of community during a period when the country was still healing from the aftermath of the 13 May 1969 racial riots.
"Her digs at the different ethnic groups offended no one. On the contrary, it awakened a sense of camaraderie that united us. And we needed that at a time when our country was going through the process of healing and rebuilding from the aftermath of the 13 May 1969 racial riots. People of my generation would remember that we had to tiptoe around sensitive issues and be cautious when discussing certain subjects. Unwittingly, her column succeeded in fostering a sense of community that was crucial," she said.
Aishah said Adibah Amin's legacy also placed a responsibility on today's media practitioners to continue telling stories that contribute positively to society.
"Even if Kak Adib is no longer writing now, it falls upon all of us in the media to carry on her impetus of good stories told from a heart passionately longing for a better country. We owe it to Kak Adib to continue her legacy of strengthening the fabric of society, making it vibrant, tolerant and engaged," she said.
Aishah Ali during her brief introduction to Adibah Amin and her work.
The tribute, organised by the Monash University Malaysia Library and Learning Commons, featured readings of selected excerpts from the commemorative legacy edition of 'As I Was Passing: Glimpses of Malaysian Life' by five distinguished guest readers.
Adibah Amin's sister, Dr Fadzilah Amin, former Associate Professor in the Department of English at Universiti Malaya, read 'Kiss My Hand to Say Mama'. Actress, acting coach and former journalist Fatimah Abu Bakar read 'Malaysian Time', while former Universiti Teknologi MARA professor and former Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Arshad Ayub, Professor Dr Habibah Ashari, read 'Brave New World, Minus the Irony'.
Writer, columnist and social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir read Tourist Notions, while civil society leader and co-founder of Sisters in Islam and Musawah, Zainah Anwar, read 'Thoughts Around the Year of the Tiger'. The readings were hosted by Professor Meera Sivasothy from Monash University Malaysia’s School of Arts and Social Sciences.
The book reading session during the event.
The program also featured a video highlighting Adibah Amin's life and contributions.
First compiled into a book in 2009, 'As I Was Passing' brings together Adibah Amin's observations of Malaysian life, society and people, offering readers an intimate portrait of a nation in the making. The commemorative legacy edition provides an opportunity for a new generation to rediscover a body of work that continues to speak to questions of identity, community and what it means to live together as Malaysians.
The tribute served as a reminder that the most enduring writing can transcend its time. Decades after 'As I Was Passing' first appeared in print, Adibah Amin's words continue to resonate, offering new generations of Malaysians a window into their shared experiences and a reminder of the values that bind society together.