11 Malaysian Poets That Will Make You Appreciate Poetry
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11 Malaysian Poets That Will Make You Appreciate Poetry
According to Paul Engle “Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power”, and Malaysian poets are some of the most skilful ‘language raisers’ out there.
They can even do it in a few different languages as Malaysia is a multicultural nation.
Yet when people think of ‘Malaysia poems’ their minds often go blank. Malaysian creators are often underrated despite gaining recognition.
The below verse makers, I believe, are extremely talented in what they do. Their work embodies Malaysian culture and even if you do not relate you are sure to be moved by their words.
Some poets below have stood the tests of time while others are ushering in a new age of artistry.
The list below will show you various poets who will amaze and give you a new appreciation for poetry.
1. Jack Kin Lim
Image of Jack Kin Lim from @JackKinLim
Jack Kin Lim is well-versed in Malaysia’s art scene. He is a poet, writer, emcee, and podcaster! He is the creative director + host behind the arts podcast KITA and is also an art critique on Cendana.
In My Father’s Father, the speaker talks about the language barrier between him and his paternal grandfather. Although he was able to interact with his grandfather there was a wall between them.
They are only able to communicate with an interpreter. This wall becomes clear when his grandfather speaks to him in English.
This bittersweet moment shows the love he has for his grandson who wants to communicate. Yet it also shows the distance between them as he asks an obvious question.
This is a bitter-sweet poem that resonates with third-generation Malaysians and those alike.
This poem highlights the roots we may have lost through our choices in the languages we speak.
Jack Kin Lin’s poetry often has Malaysian anecdotes and sentiments. You do not have to look far to find a poem about Malaysian culture in his work like this one.
He is an inspiring poet and how he writes brings to life what he feels.
2. Kwan Ann Tan
Image of Kwan Ann Than from @kwanannthan
Kwan Ann Tan graduated from the University of Oxford with a BA in English Language & Literature/Letters. She is a copy editor at Strange Horizons, editor at Chestnut Review, and editor-at-Large for Malaysia at Asymptote Journal.
She is a published writer whose poem Malacca River is one of the Malaysia poems that uses Malaysian landmarks as its subject.
The poem is about how the river affects people’s lives. The river is personified in her poem and shows how water levels can bring both happiness and despair.
When it is full everyone thrives whilst when it is dry everyone and it suffers. An interesting highlight is the differences between village and city life.
While one is suffering and going hungry, the other is only aware of the lack of clean water and fresh fish. Like a lot of her work, this poem has many layers to it.
It can be a poem to state the differences between the two living areas or a poem about how nothing is as useless as it seems. One thing for certain, she is a powerful voice in poetry and one that should not be missed.
3. Hillary Tham
Image of Hillary Tham from Beltway Poetry Quarterly
Hillary Tham (1946 – 2005) has made a name for herself among famous Asian poets. She was born in Klang in 1946 and migrated to the US after her marriage in 1971.
She was a brilliant poet, editor, and teacher. Her poetry is a mix of Chinese, American, and Jewish cultures.
Hillary is one of those Malaysian poets that work has never lost its Malaysian identity. In an interview with The Writing Life she was asked if she was done with her Malaysian material and she replied:
“Every time I finished a book — I find myself at a crossroads for direction and then I sort of go back into
childhood and examine what are the things I need to write about and start from there.”
In one of her poems from her collection Paper Boats, she talks about her childhood in Malaysia. We can see the innocence in her recollection of nostalgic memories. As the poem progresses, things take a turn. She sees a “mad” woman and a man consuming live mice.
In the same interview with The Writing Life, she explained that Mr. Tao said he ate the mice to prolong his life. In my opinion, this shows how accepted superstitions were during this time. As opposed to mental health as seen in the reaction towards the “mad” woman. The mother disregarded the woman but not Mr. Tao.
Hillary Tham is one of the Malaysian poets whose work is like a history lesson. Her experiences in different cultures are reflected in her work.
4. Sheena Baharudin
Image of Sheena Baharudin from @sheenabaharudin
Sheena Baharudin is a spoken-word poet who has written poems in Malay, English, and Jawi. Some of her published work includes Rhymes for Mending Hearts and All the Bodies We’ve Embraced.
Aside from this she has spoken at TEDxTalks and is currently teaching at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Many of her poems are captivating and are styled to be a powerful read. This poem is no exception. I believe this poem shows how the speaker is not head-over-heels in love but instead is in control of her affections.
Something often associated with women is that they are delicate and naive. But in this poem, the men are described as delicate flowers whilst the speaker is calling the shots. The speaker does not seem swayed by the relationship in any way.
Like this poem, Sheena Baharudin creates visual verses that come to life when spoken.
Her powerful performances are sure to bring you a new appreciation for poetry. And if you are looking for more Malay poetry she is the multilingual poet to check out.
5. Illya Sumanto
Image of Illya Sumanto from Impress Creative Editorial
Illya Sumanto is an inspiring educator who has taught in many countries including Malaysia, Germany, Senegal, and China. She is the founder of Empathy of Youth. A program that aims to teach young people empathy through art, drama, and literacy. Her list of achievements does not end there.
She has received an award from University Malaya’s Education Faculty for her efforts in spoken word poetry education. She is also no stranger to writing having a graphic novel series titled Revolusis. She is among the famous Malaysian poets of this generation.
This poem Pontianak is about an often feared female ghost in Malaysian mythology. However, in this poem, the Pontianak is not evil but instead a victim of objectification. This poem examines how women in society view women and how it punishes them for being physical.
The poem also identifies the inequality in how society treats a woman versus a man. Towards the end of the poem, the speaker makes a choice she thinks will save her child from the same fate.
Illya Sumanto’s poetry does not shy away from controversy. It is straight to the point in its message and delivery.
Her poetry implores you to think and question the norm making her an interesting poet to look forward to.
6. Lily Jamaludin
Image of Lily Jamaludin from goodreads
Lily Jamaludin is a talented writer, spoken word artist, and activist. Her portfolio includes literary reviews in Cendana, Queer Lapis, and articles in South China Morning Post. She is an activist who is a clear voice in challenging inequality in Malaysia.
Her poem Like Clay We Bleed was read during Poetically Correct: The Wanita showcase (2017). In this poem, she challenges spirituality and discrimination.
This poem – like many Malaysian poems – is challenging the social prejudice in Malaysia today. It challenges discrimination against someone’s race or/and religion. It also challenges systematic discrimination within the country.
The poet deserves praise for her efforts in attempting to fight imbalance through her art.
She is a verse maker who is ushering in a new age of artistry and change. She makes you realize that art has the power to make people listen. Lily Jamaludin is definitely a poet to look out for.
7. Melizarani T. Selva
Image of Melizarani T. Selva from International Literature Showcase
Melizarani T. Selva is an incredible spoken-word poet, storyteller, journalist, and poetry educator. She is the author of Taboo and founder of the monthly poetry open mic event If Walls Could Talk.
She was also the first runner-up in both The National Singapore Slam (2013) and Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (2014).
The poet has performed at international events such as the TEDxGateway held in India. She is one of the Malaysian poets growing in popularity among other famous Asian poets.
Melizarani T. Selva writes about Malaysian culture and the Indian Malaysian identity. In the poem The Woman from the solo show “Eve And Mary Are Having Coffee”, she calls out sexism around her.
The speaker addresses being a woman who is overlooked, sexualized, and discriminated against.
Although many know this is happening, very few try to stop it. She especially highlights what it means to be an Indian woman in Malaysia in this poem.
Like many of her poems, this poem makes you think and leaves you with a message that stays on your mind.
This is a brave poem about Malaysian culture and the inequalities within it.
Her poetry is enjoyable and a fresh take on issues you might not have cared for and makes you pay attention to them.
8. Malachi Edwin Vethamani
Image of Malachi Edwin Vethamani from Malachi Edwin Vathamani
Malachi Edwin Vethamani is currently a professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. He was the 2019 recipient of the University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellors Achievement award. Having written two volumes of poems and a collection of short stories, he is an experienced writer.
He has made many contributions to the Malaysian Literary community. His recent addition was the editor of Malaysian Millenial Voices, a collection of poems from young authors under 35. Some of whom are featured in this article!
This poem titled Death Wish shows a toxic family situation through the eyes of a child. The child does not understand nor has the means to process how she feels.
She is angry and takes her anger out on those around her. Although her father is to blame, she cannot come to dislike him and blames his mistress and her mother.
Although this situation is a niche, the feelings of confusion and anger can be relatable for many. Malachi Edwin Vethamani is a poet that writes poems for all.
9. Kulleh Grassi
Image of Kulleh Grassi from Augustman
When you think of a Malaysian poem what comes to mind? Is it a poem in Malay? Or poems about the unique cultures of Malaysia? Kulleh Grassi does both.
He represents the indigenous people of Malaysia being from Sarawak and having Iban heritage himself.
His poetry reflects the often unrepresented cultures of Malaysia. He told Augustman Men’s magazine that he “was reading all kinds of Malay literature. None of it spoke from the experience of Borneo’s indigenous people.” This was what moved him to write his poetry based on what he observed around him.
He also tells Augustman his aim with his poetry is to challenge stereotypes.
He says he wishes to “break the stereotypes that people have of indigenous people as outdated, uncivilized, etc – if anything, we have already moved forward – I was born an Iban but that doesn’t make me less.”
Tell Me, Kenyalang is a collection of Malay poetry mixed with indigenous languages. It was translated into English by Pauline Fan a fellow writer and literary translator.
This poem to me is about love and time. Time continues but the speaker is stuck in a moment from the past. He is unable to let go of this moment because the elements around him serve as a reminder of it.
Kulleh Grassi’s poetry evokes raw emotion about the past and present.
He uses nature, indigenous culture, and lore to create rare poetic images and symbols.
10. Usman Awang
Image of Usman Awang from Yayasan Usman Awang
Usman Awang (1929-2001) was a poet, dramatist, and novelist. In 1983 he received the Malaysian National Laureate for his contributions to Malay literature.
His most notable award being the S.E.A. Write Awards in 1982. Living through key points of Malaysian history, his poetry reflects public sentiments of those times.
Usman Awang usually writes his poems in Malay. They have been translated into English in later years.
If asked what poems Malaysia has produced I think of the famous Malaysian poem; Pak Utik (Father Utih). Written in 1954, it shows the tension between politicians and the public during this time.
This was after Malaysia had gained independence. Whilst the people were hopeful of a better Malaysia, they felt there was no progress made.
This Malaysian poem did portray unfairness as a universal feeling.
Malaysian poets such as himself reflect a time in history that should not be forgotten. His poetry stands the test of time and remains relevant to us today.
Therefore, he shows the influence of poetry even decades later.
11. A. Samad Said
Image of A. Samad Said by Sharifudin Abdul Rahim
A. Samad Said is among the most accomplished poets of today.
In 1976 he received the Pejuang Sastera (Literary Exponent) and the S.E.A Write Awards soon after. A decade later and he received the Malaysian National Laureate.
He has made significant contributions to Malay literature.
A poem in Malay of his I enjoy is Hidup Bersama (Living Together). It is about living and working together to achieve a better Malaysia.
He has published many books and anthologies, one of the poems he is most recognized for is The Dead Crow.
Besides, this famous Malaysian poem was once taught in secondary schools across Malaysia. This poem is about the consumption of Malaysia’s natural resources and their effects.
It calls out to authorities and asks them to protect these natural resources. This opinion remains relevant as in the last century, Malaysia has lost almost half of its forest.
The poem pleads and implores for a change in how we treat our country. It is clear to see why A. Samad Said has amassed the recognition he has.
The 86 year old continues to write to change the way we view the world and each other. He is a poet that stays ever relevant in changing times.
This list has some of the most talented Malaysian poets in our country but there are still many left to discover.
This list proves we do not always have to look far to find great literature. Sometimes we forget there are some great writers right in our backyard! These Malaysian artists deserve all the recognition and attention we have to offer.
So if you are ever asked, “Are there poems Malaysia has produced?” you can point them towards this list!
