‘Sepucuk Surat Sebuah Episod’ offers rare glimpse into Malaysia’s key figures

 The collection of personal letters exchanged with some of the country's key figures is 'a record of a moment in time', says author Raja Ahmad Aminullah.

Raja Ahmad Aminullah at the launch of his book, ‘Sepucuk Surat Sebuah Episod: Rakaman Pelaku-Pelaku Zaman’. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

In his latest book, “Sepucuk Surat Sebuah Episod: Rakaman Pelaku-Pelaku Zaman”, celebrated cultural figure Raja Ahmad Aminullah brings together personal letters exchanged with some of Malaysia’s key figures, offering a glimpse into the people who helped shape the nation’s story.

Raja Ahmad, also known as Pak Engku, said the collection of personal correspondence and exclusive interactions was not intended as a political book, but as a socio-cultural documentation of his observations on the communities around him.

“I don’t write political books. I write about my observations of the world around me and the socio-cultural issues affecting society.

“I have no interest in the politics of confrontation, nor in the political process itself. For me, it is simply something I observe,” he said in his speech at the book launch yesterday.

The book was launched by National Book Council of Malaysia director Khair Ngadiron in an event attended by artists, literary figures, academics and Raja Ahmad’s long-time associates.

Raja Ahmad said the book was not about portraying any particular figure in a special light, but about sharing stories and observations that could serve as a source of reflection and learning.

“This book is not about Dr Mahathir Mohamad, nor is it about Anwar Ibrahim, and it is certainly not about its writer, who is inconsequential anyway. It is simply a record of a moment in time from about 25 years ago, so that we can all benefit from the lessons that may be learned from it,” he said.

Raja Ahmad said the book was also an attempt to preserve memories and record his own role in the pages of history for future generations to reflect on through a broader perspective.

The work is expected to serve as a reference for those interested in literature, history and social sciences, offering a more personal and human lens through which to understand the journeys of local figures.

Published by Lestari Hikmah, the 169-page volume is available for RM30 in soft cover and RM80 in hard cover, with copies sold through bookstores, selected events and online channels. - FMT