Conventions in Post-Independence Literature

Summary

Over the years, Malay literature developed a measure of stylistic sophistication with blatant didacticism fast disappearing by the time of the 1960s. Stereotypes persisted, however, as did the dual preoccupation with the plight of the poor and the conduct of the leaders of the country, which largely characterized the literature of previous years. By and large, the latter concern tended to dominate the literary scene. In giving expression to this concern, however, the literature of the period was to show a slight variation in focus. In line with the change of leadership from the British to local bureaucrats on the political scene, the literature shifted its focus to this new breed of leaders. It presented them in their position as the sole administrators of the country, and their response to this new role. In the depiction of this new administrative class, the perception of Malay leaders seen in the 1950s prevailed. When portraying the MCS officers, who were variously referred to as Pegawai Kanan (Senior Officer), Pegawi Division Satu (Division One Officer) or Tuan DO (Mr DO or Mr District Officer), writers tended to dwell on their English or Western education which adversely gave rise to a new life-style of “vice and moral depravity”. Descriptions of these young leaders pointed to them as defenders who had betrayed their people and become strangers and alienated from their own society. Concomitant with this, phrases such as berkiblat ke Barat (facing towards the West) and bukan Melayu lagi (no longer Malay), highly perjorative in connotation, became common usage when these leaders were described, both in and out of fiction. The Wakil Rakyat(s) fared no better as targets for negative portrayals. They were perceived as “irresponsible and devious leaders” who put their own interests above those of the masses. They were seen as particularly glib, and excelling in making promises they had no intention of keeping and were portrayed as having a propensity for illicit sex.