THE DAWN OF MODERN MALAY LITERATURE

MODERN MALAY LITERATURE IN THE EARLY YEARS

1838 : Publication of Kisah Pelayaran Abdullah ke Kelantan. This is taken to be the first Malay  travelogue

1849- Abdullah Abdul Kadir Munsyi published a first memoir in Malay literature entittled Hikayat Abdullah, This, ogether with his travelogue Kisah Pelayaran Abdullah (plus a few other tittles ) contained his  observations and descriptions  of contemporary everyday events and happenings during his time, and much of his opinions and social criticisms. He did  away with realm of superhuman princes and princesses. For this individualism and  realism, Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir Munsyi (1796-1854) is  considered as forerunner of modern Malay literature. The dawn of modern Malay literature is said to begin with him.

1913. The birth of modern Malay poetry, known as sajak with the publication `Angan-angan Dengan Gurindam`by Omar Mustaffa.  

1925-  The birth of novel in Malaya when the first Malay novel Faridah Hanom, by Syed Sheikh Al Hadi was published. However, the novel was an adaptation of Egyptian work. But the novel discussed social problems relevan to Malay society .

1925- The emergence of short stories mostly in newspapers and magazines. Newspapers regarded as important in the development of Malay short stories. Most short stories discussed local issues especially in exhorting the Malays to work towards progress and gain their rightful place in the advance of other races. Among famous writer was Abdul Rahim Kajai, named Father of Malay Short Stories

1929, The publication of Kawan Benar, a novel by Ahmad Rashid Talu accepted as the first original Malay novel with local Malay characters and Malay social background.

1934- The formation of Persaudaraan Sahabat Pena. trigged by literary column of Syed Sheikh Al Hady’s  newspaper, Saudara.

1934, THE new form of poetry gained importance through the publications in Majalah Guru. A regular periodical of Sultan Idris Training Cillege in Tanjung Malim (SITC). SITC is noted for its contributions   in the  development of Malay literature.  Mohd Yasin Makmor (Punggok) has been name as a pioneer in Malay poetry.

1950. The most significant event in the growth of Malay literature took place in Singapore, with the formation of ANGKATAN SASTERAWAN 50 or ASAS 50 on 6 August.  This Writers’ Movement thrived as the oldest Malay literary association and is still going on in Singapore today. It represented the voice of the Malay community with its slogan Seni untuk Masyarakat.  Pioneers and leaders were well known writers and journalists Muhammad Ariff Ahmad, Kamaluddin Muhammad, Masuri S.N.