Organised panel - Malaysian voices in symphony: visions of nation-building

Abstract

Malaysian Literature in English (MLE) is a young tradition of about seventy years old. Because English is relegated to a second language, and has even acquired foreign status to many Malaysians, the reading audience of MLE is limited to a select group of people. This scenario, however, is about to change, due to revised language policies in the Malaysian education system. It has been said that Malaysiar,, writers of English have been denied an active engagement in nation building and the formation of national culture. We argue, however, that these writers have contributed to the Malaysian literary heritage by dealing with issues crucial to a growing nation. Although writing for perhaps a smaller audience, their writings have international appeal. By looking at writers of various races and focusing on their perceptions of nationhood, we hope to present the concert of voices of a young country learning tolerance and appreciation for the otherness within its borders.