Keep safe, friends far away

The rain fell on the pebbles, fallen leaves and umbrellas bobbing above a sea of people. Washed away sorrow, tears and the harshness of the city . Bickering stopped and all turned to lending a hand. The rain and wind picked up strength and we stayed hidden away, enveloped in warmth of the fire.

Autumn brings the storm

I reach out to you, neighbor

Keep safe, my friends

Behind the window pane, two lovers stayed under the covers, to keep the hurricane away. Children huddled together read books while the wind displayed its mighty strength, trying to pry open any weak entry. The old and sick braced themselves - medication, heat, food. Stay indoors.

Frail and yet, humans

Will prevail in the face of

Adversity -

Goodnight my friends. I wish you well. Hold a hand, hug a friend, have your cellphones fully charged. Keep your loved ones safe and sound, the door closed, the windows barred. Listen to a song, say a prayer. Stay indoors, stay safe.

Hallways give shelter

Toddlers in closet room tents

The cat on the ledge

As we listen in to the news, Sandy arrived - crashing at 86 miles per hour. Eerily the carousel at Battery Park stayed lit, surrounded by rising waters. The New York I knew and loved is devastated, deluged in sea water. Newsmen, ambulances rushed. Fires engulfed homes. Snow fell in October. Announcements made - stay put til morning. Stay safe. Stay brave. 

The news strike fear

Toronto to Quebec City

My old haunts, Canada

I am shocked. My favorite cities in Canada - Toronto, Peterborough, Quebec City - so many memories and fondest moments. Friends I remember well. I did not realize this would be closer to heart than I thought. I am keeping vigil and hope to hear from you soon - Verlia Stephens. Chris McInnis. Larry Coplen. Marc Beauvais. Darren Schmidt. Keep safe.

A teacher like no other

With Mrs Khaw Choon Ean

I remember the first moment I noticed Mrs Khaw Choon Ean. It was on our school field, we were all doing calisthenics. She must have noticed me too because she singled me out together with about 20 girls to form her first gymnastics team. A few days later, Mrs Khaw also became my English teacher throughout my secondary school days in Seri Puteri.

For five years, I went through school with two things being the most important part of my teen years. Gymnastics competitions and poetry writing.

Today, Mrs Khaw is an accomplished author and life coach, applying the theory of constraints in developing thinking skills. Ilena, always quick to grasp ideas, enjoyed her short session at Popular, Ikano. I can see how her talks continue to inspire kids to fulfill their fullest potentials.

Thank you Mrs Khaw.

A Malaysia Day Dinner Like No Other



Dr Bala (middle) the gracious host


Dr Bala of Planet Of The Monyets had a simple idea. And as usual, the simplest of ideas often contribute to the greatest of feats. In this era of mudslinging and politicking, he decided it was  time to #Say Something Nice and remove ourselves from politics. He did this by saying something nice about ALL Malaysians. Heroes from mountaineers to conservationists - not to be confused with conversationalists, sportsmen and women, NGO warriors, movie directors, cartoonist - no guesses for this one, writers, taxi drivers (I personally love taxi drivers esp my ever exceptional S W Taxi)

And of course Dato David Arumugam
of Alleycats

"We sing using OXFORD Bahasa Malaysia. I visualise a lone lady in the middle of the sawah padi, and my feelings come pouring out in the song so that you feel it too."


Manai (Ahmad Fakri in blue), is one of the two Malaysians who have conquered the SEVEN SUMMITS all over the world. This is incredible. Manai's journey so far (he is only 31) is an inspiring story of overcoming your personal limits. Now I know to get to the base camp of the Everest alone is a 10 day trek. To reach the summit takes another 45 days, after getting through Camp 1 to Camp 4. As you progress from camp to camp, you see the mountaineers who did not make it ie in body bags and the success of the day is measured in the rate of mortality.

 

Shamir and Shamsul
Co-founders of Yakin Malaysia

 

For the full series of 17 Cool and Commited Malaysians,

please visit the Monyet King's Planet Of The Monyets

 

Thank you Monyet King for a cosy and intimate dinner that defines the Malaysian hospitality at best. We got to know each other, chit chat, laugh and cheer 'TerimakaSAYYY' with David Arumugam.

 

It was great company and a marvelous nostalgic Malaysia Day dinner.

 

 

 

17 Cool and Commited Malaysians

Blogger Monyet King has dedicated the seventeen days between 31st August to 16th September to a series on nation building. I thank him for including my work on Malaysian Hikayat in the list. I am humbled and honoured.

_____________________________________

 Saturday, September 8, 2012

Cool and Committed Malaysians # 9 - ninotaziz

The Merdeka Cool and Committed Malaysians stories continue with ninotaziz, writer and an extraordinary storyteller – who is determined to use our legends towards creating a sense of pride in our people and to put our Hikayat on the world stage.

 

Ninot’s real name is Zalina Abdul Aziz. She was born in Tasmania, Australia, raised in the village of Chenor, Malaysia, educated in Canada and now lives in KL. She is the author of From the Written Stone (2006), Srikandi (2011), HIKAYAT – From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms (2012) and NAGA – A Legend of Tasik Chini (2012). Her current book projects include Kembara Sastera Manuskrip dan Pantun Melayu, Ratu Nusantara, 366 Legends of Asia and From the Wayang Kulit. Ninot is also currently working on her second novel entitled Onangkiu - From Gelanggui to Bija Nagara.

Ninot at her office with SriKandi which was published in 2011

For the rest of the article, visit here.


17 Cool and Committed Malaysians series

The 17 Cool and Committed Malaysians series is produced by Planet of the Monyets in conjunction with our Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia 2012. 17 Malaysians (or group of Malaysians) who have served or are serving our country or made it proud because of their accomplishments will be featured. 1 story every day, for 17 days. 31 August till 16 September. They may not be big names. But they are men and women who serve Malaysia well – through their commitment to work, charity, sports and arts. They are role models for the rest of us. Malaysia needs heroes, hope and good news. This is the monyets’ way of spreading cheer, giving hope and creating a more positive Malaysia. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

HIKAYAT on BERNAMARadio24 (FM93.9)

ninotaziz with Gerard

on Radio24

I was nervous and had a cold. After a short interview on Bernama Today last week, I was invited once again to have a longer session on radio in conjunction with Merdeka.

I must thank Gerard, the host who made it appear easy-going, producer Jun Sern who prepped me just before the show, and Shawn who made me feel so welcome. I must say Radio is so much fun, while the TV appearance was quite scary. Nevertheless, as both interviews were live sessions, it felt daunting indeed to a newcomer like me.

The interview was scheduled to run for 45 minutes, it went on for over 1 hour 20 minutes. It is to the guys' credit that it was so enjoyable. I came away with the one message I wanted so much to say.

The Hikayat is our heritage. We must take ownership of the legends because they belong to all of us.

When I say all of us - just so that everyone is clear - I mean everyone. All Malaysians. I mentioned that when you read Hikayat, you will find something intrinsic of yourself in them. You will seek what you want to find. There was a movement of people that centered around the Semenanjung. Everyone wanted something form this land. Gold. Power. Love. Take ownership my friends, before someone takes it away from us.

Our diversity is what makes Malaysia unique. Embrace it. Don't let it destroy us.

Goodnight, everyone.

Merdeka!

Selamat Hari Raya from Rudy, ninotaziz and family

Selamat Hari Raya

from all of us at home

Rudy, ninotaziz

Iman, Inas, Irani, Ilena and

our official message delivered by Little Ikesha

The ancient call of the nusantara

gamelan

_____________________

yesterday it was ancient

today, it is forever new

by tomorrow, it will be timeless

___________________________________

The beauty of gamelan is in its staccato pride,
the sense of calm as you play to breathe

and breathe to play a song from the past

_________

to know me

to love me

to accept me

you must understand
i am an island girl
and the rhythmic call

of the bronze orchestra

seduces my ancestors

within me


____________

dream catcher
in the fading notes
of an ancient song

I awaken

For Thursday Think Tank
For the mesmerising ancient songs, click

gamelan

Copyright 2012 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.



My Sanctuary

Over the years, this is where we

dance, play, read, write, browse

chase the cats, wear stylish hats,  have brick brats

hold family meetings, gatherings, greetings

pack up, put on make-up

before we walk out the door

and brave the world

The girl who started fasting

This is the first year

Ikesha started fasting.

Alhamdulillah.

NAGA TASIK CHINI WORLDWIDE RELEASE : ONLINE

N A G A

A novel by: ninotaziz

• Dear friends and fellow bloggers,
• 
  
• After much anticipation, my first ever novel NAGA is out. This has been a wonderful work of intense collaboration with many. First and foremost my head researcher and editor, my mother, Puan Kamariah Jaafar. Without her, this book would have remained a manuscript. My grandmother first told me the legend of Naga Tasik Chini when I was 11 years old. I am sad that she is no longer with us to share this book.

The dragons on the cover was illustrated by my daughter, Narissia Inas. Despite her busy schedule (she is in her exam year) she did not move from her laptop for two days to get it done. The cover design was done by Apratim and his team from Entercerebrum, India. Finally, the beautiful images in the book portraying the characters from Nagara, China and Bhumi Semenanjung Melayu were illustrated by artist Malek Rahim.

I would like to thank many for inspiring NAGA. Firstly, I thank Mr Lim Beng Teck for suggesting I write a full length story. I would also like to thank blogger Sir Remgold especially who was almost by my side every step of the way despite being in a different country, answering my queries in the middle of the night, wee hours of the morning. Thank you Ayoh Wang and Pakcik Hassan of Al-Manar for a glimpse of life in Terengganu, so essential to the story.  CfS Angelina's Mum gave sound and 'sexy' advice. And my sister Farah Alina was quick to give points on how to engage the reader. And my team at XLibris, Annie Maynard and Jane Cole, thank you for working so hard all the way in Australia.


I would like to acknowledge the tremendous help my daughter Iman offers when I need it, be it her opinion or her expertise.

Finally, my best friend and partner, the man who shares my journey, Rudy Daud. Thank you, Bang.


I hope you enjoy reading NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini.

For my daughters
Iman, Inas, Irani, Ilena and Little Ikesha.

• ISBN: 1-4771-2924-3 (Trade Hardback 6x9)
• ISBN13: 978-1-4771-2924-1 (Trade Hardback 6x9)
• ISBN: 1-4771-2923-5 (Trade Paperback 6x9)
• ISBN13: 978-1-4771-2923-4 (Trade Paperback 6x9)

• Pages : 239
• Book Format : Trade Book 6x9
• Subject : FICTION / General
• 
  

Description

 ‘Loyalty and betrayal are the two faces of human nature, 
which give rise to legends that withstand the test of time.’

NAGA spans three realms from the ancient world – Middle Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty, Nagara and Bhumi Semenanjung Melayu. It is the story of three adventurers, Sri Gemom, Srikandi and Kemboja and how fate set their worlds on a collision course that shook the very foundations of an ancient civilisation. More than that, against the background of sorcery and magic, the tragic tale of survival and loyalty shines through.

To purchase : click here
Available as well at Barnes&Noble

Mimpi Onangkiu

Illustration by Malek Rahim

Dalam duri ada api

Dalam api ada bara

Sejak kecil ku bermimpi

Tapak kaki menjejak samudera

Hilang sedih, rindu kembali

Hilang di tengah lautan

Hilang sudah Gellangui

Hilang dari ingatan

Dari mana datangnya sayang

Dari mata turun ke hati

Sudah lama terbayang bayang

Memanggil Tuan Puteri

Satu satunya pujaan mata

Indah berseri di dalam taman

Ratu di Bija Nagara

Masih terkenang kampong halaman

Dian membakar diri

Terang seluruh semesta

Keturunan Melayu sejati

Menzahirkan Raja semua Negara

Copyright 2012 © ninotaziz. All Rights Reserved.

A WONDERFUL DAY AT ATMA

Berita Harian  18thJuly 2012

About two months ago I received this email from Prof Ding Choo Ming, my mentor and friend from the Institute Alam & Tamadun Melayu, UKM (ATMA). "...we would like to invite you to ATMA to give a talk on your experience, technique and skills in telling ancient stories to modern readers.  You are one of the rare tukang cerita now! The tentative date in on the 10th July subject  to the availability of ATMA's director who is going to preside the 2 hours seminar...It is just a small gathering of some fellows from ATMA, some students and of course reporters from our local newspapers...What is different is you are the keturunan jati daripada keturunan tukang cerita yang panjang, maka penuh dengan misteri ... Salam hormat Ding"

I was delighted and humbled to receive this invitation as my association with ATMA over the last six years have been one of friendship and enlightenment. I was a bit worried about what was expected of me. But then, Prof Ding assured me it was a small gathering of minds and told me not to worry.

With Prof Ding Choo Ming at his office

Iman, my eldest daughter who is turning out to be such a wonderful help,  took care of all the details like driving me to UKM, taking care of my books and illustrations (which our dear Sir Remgold  advised me to bring along - Thank you kind Sir)

Receiving a gift to be treasured from Prof Dr Abdul Latif Hj Samian, ATMA Director

Prof Ding's student from Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong

I enjoyed telling them the story Puteri Saadong

HAK, an FB friend, turned up for the event. Apart from writing, we have found another connector - Adiguru Pak Nasir of ASWARA. Pleasure meeting you HAK!

I met writer Nisah Haron at Goodreads Malaysia. Our love for books brought us together!

Dato Zawiyah Baba had already bought Hikayat before the Wacana event.

She was such a delight to talk to.

It turned out that the room was full. After my talk, the audience started asking questions. When each of them introduced themselves, I was a bit shocked. Prof Dr Harun Mat Piah was there - had I known, I would have been very nervous indeed about the talk. Dato Zawiyah Baba. As it is, the talk was a wonderful experience. A student from Hong Kong asked me to tell the story Puteri Saadong. I also told the story of Onangkiu and my version of NAGA.

12th July 2012 was certainly a day etched in my memory. Thank you ATMA!

Friends and Family at the Book Release

 Thank you for coming, everyone!

Hikayat Babies

With Shazlin, my friend since Seri Puteri days

and her kids, Kalia, Tuah and Nisha. Where are you Putra?

With Yolanda, a gem of a friend

With Damien, an old friend and writer

and Ruben (far left)

Sisters, Khadijah and Farah

with Mum

Seri Puteri gang again

Dearest Habs and Uyun who just arrived from Hong Kong the same day.

The Rantau Panjang clan

Thank you Eita (middle front),

my sister in law who arranged the exhibition

With Kak Mah
the eldest cousin in the family

Crookshanks

Ilena was besotted with gamelan

Introducing Srikandi Inrasara

of upcoming book, NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini


A short video-clip on the book launch

The Hikayat Book Launch

Welcome to our home
Happy Birthday Abang!

Presenting Hikayat

Gamelan break

Book Signing

With Mum and editor of Hikayat
Puan Kamariah Jaafar

My life and raison d'etre!



AN INVITATION FROM ATMA

Wish me luck!


I have been invited by the National University of Malaysia, UKM, to speak on Hikayat's journey.

I would like to thank Prof Ding Choo Ming of ATMA for his support and encouragement.

Kosmo : On The Cover

Can you see that smile?

My only hope is that more people

read Hikayat.

HIKAYAT : THE UNOFFICIAL PHOTOS

The morning after, the scent of lilies reminded me that the book launch did happen. It wasn't a dream and the most important people were there either physically or in spirit, with me. My family and friends, and the people who made it all happen - my mother, Pn Kamariah Jaafar who worked on Hikayat as well, Fuzana, my editor  from Utusan and En Malek, to whom the exhibition was dedicated to.

Moments like these are best shared with family - hubby Rudy and daughters, Narissia Inas, Nadessia Ilena, Nafertari Ikesha, Naquessia Irani and Natassia Iman.


Iman, together with Inas and good friend, Alysha were in charge of registration, book sales, press kits. They did a marvelous job. Thank you girls!

Hanif, Iman's classmate during their Form Five days, was the official photographer. We are waiting for his expert shots. That's Goki, on the right, one of my favourites from Iman's former class also. Likewise, I am pretty sure I am his favourite Aunty.

Inas and Alysha with their friends and my extra hands whenever I have small events at home. Hakeem, who is not in this photo, is doing digital illustrations for my future book on Dragons and Serpents (2013). My sister in law, Wan Rosnita arranged the illustrations for the exhibition and she too, did a fine job indeed!

My gamelan performance



My upcoming book

NAGA - A Legend Of Tasik Chini

(August 2012)

Cover illustration  by Narissia Inas

Design by my good friend and associate  Apratim Mukhopadhyay of Enter Cerebrum, India

Thank you, everyone!

Next segment : The official blogpost of the Hikayat Book Launch, Exhibition and Gamelan Promise.

ninotaziz on HIKAYAT

My stand on the Malay Hikayat

ARTIST MALEK RAHIM ADDS MAGIC TO HIKAYAT

 En Malek is satisfied with Hikayat and has just finished 

his illustration for my next project : NAGA

En Malek Rahim's sketches of Malay dancers and Kadazan warriors are regularly featured at the Butterfly Park souvenir shop at the Lake Gardens. After a long happy but weary day with the girls, I found myself staring at these beautiful black and white illustrations and fell in love with the obvious detail, care and love that went into these drawings.

The shop assistants had the artist's phone number but they warned me that En Malek was a bit shy. They gave me his number as I was insistent. That was seven years ago. Since then, En Malek has illustrated four of my books From The Gathering, SRIKANDI, HIKAYAT and NAGA. Each book had a different style but all unmistakable in their homage to our culture.

ILLUSTRATIONS FROM HIKAYAT

 Panji Semirang

En Malek started out in design work for the textile industry for 15 years and then left to venture into illustrations that portray Malaysian scenes. He is reticent about his art and yet would be fiercely vocal about my work, encouraging me to ensure it becomes accepted and widely read. Our partnership is strengthened by our mutual  love for the Hikayat and we would both comment on each other's work without reserve until we get the results we are both satisfied with.

An avid reader and observer of past designs and artwork, En Malek would bring me books to study especially when he finds collections of his father's own Hikayat books. I am blessed to have En Malek as a partner and I hope the rest of the world would also one day appreciate this quiet unassuming man's artwork for the genius that it is.

Putri Saadung

Thank you En Malek.

Why I wrote Hikayat

Our Malay Hikayats deserve to be on the world stage along side all other great epics of the world.

I am ninotaziz daughter of Abang Tik daughter of Chu Rahmah daughter of Yangchik daughter of Bebunga. And I remember the stories being told night after night, grandmother to granddaughter to granddaughter.

Our history spans more than a millennia. And there is certainly a continuum of history that is preserved through the very legends of the land.

We have inherited a legacy of a myriad of legends, as rich and exciting as the Greek mythology or as revered as the Ramayana poems of Valmiki and yet sadly - these classical works are fast disappearing. Many of our Malay Hikayat originated from a Sultan’s wish to record his royal lineage. The Sejarah Melayu, Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa and Misa Melayu are examples of this. The origin of Sejarah Melayu or the Sulalat us Sulatin may never be uncovered but throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, versions were zealously updated, it was time consuming work, each volume faithfully copied by hand.

Professor Dr Ding Choo Ming of ATMA, UKM says:

Dua perkara penting telah dinyatakan dalam definisi itu [classical Malay manuscripts]. Pertama, media karya sastera itu ialah manuskrip. Ia lahir di celah-celah tradisi lisan dan percetakan. Kedua, karya itu lahir di istana dan bukan daerah pedalaman dengan sastera lisan berkembang dan diperkembangkan.”

There are also astounding works of literature, which language is beautiful and cosmopolitan in nature. This is because, the Malay cultural revolution and classical literature were shaped throughout a period of changing influences which fused effortlessly in the region. Buddhist tenets during the Srivijaya empire and Hindu teachings during the Majapahit kingdoms pretty much found deep roots in the Nusantara existent until today. Our epic legends are collaborated in other classical text especially in Java, China throughout the 13th to the 17th centuries and more modern writers in the 18th and 19th. When Portuguese traveler Tomes Pires of the 16th century in his Somu Oriental recounted the story of Parameswara from Palembang who commanded his Orang Laut, his version closely corresponded to that of the Malay Annals which alludes that the descendents of Seri Teri Buana of Palembang founded Singapore and Melaka.

Then Islam arrived as part of the Muslim world expansion. In the medieval period of Islam up to the 14th century, the Muslims led the world in their pursuit of knowledge and in science. Muslim scholars were aggressively studying Greek, Persian, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese documents, amassing huge libraries and making astounding discoveries in astronomy and mathematics. Muslims were also purveyors of stylized art and literature.In this way, the Islamic influence extended to our shores, and, to our literature. This is where the word hikayat originated. Some epics such as Hikayat Hang Tuah actually bear witness to this transition from Hindu influences in the beginning to Islam in the ending.

Historian, Prof Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim elaborates on the term hikayat:

Although the word sejarah has long existed in Malay vocabulary, hikayat was more widely used. Many historical works tended to focus on the genealogies of ruling families-these were called salasilah. When history appeared in verse form, it was also known as syair. The term hikayat indeed tends to imply that, in traditional Malay thinking, history was not punctiliously distinguished from literature.

There is no doubt, the world found the Malay epics fascinating study. Though R.O. Winstedt was critical, he was totally dedicated to the study of the Malay romances and sought to collect many of the surviving books. Amin Skinner, Teeuw and Shellbear poured over the Malay manuscripts, studying its content and influences. Today, 151 libraries and museums in 28 countries hold the bulk of the old manuscripts.

We need to bring forth these epic legends through theatre, story telling and books and other media, especially movies.

Why?

For one, these legends are priceless and part of the world’s intangible heritage, just as monumental as any historical structure such as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Java’s Borobodur. In the intricacies of our classical literature, we will rediscover a civilization so cosmopolitan and complex.

It is high time we gave it its due worth and recognition.

I am Zalina daughter of Abdul Aziz, son of Tok Muda Salehuddin, son of Tok Awang Pekan, son of Tok Nik son of Tok Tunggal son of Tok Ghafur son of Tok Haji son of Tok Sabur. And my mission is to see that these classics come back to the main stream and flourish.

Review by The Malaysian Reader
Review by Sir PokDeng
Review by Nisah Haron

__________________________________________________________

Next segment : Malek Rahim - The artist who brought the Malay World to life