Talking about Malaysia
THERE will be no shortage of literary events, public talks and poetry readings at the Malaysiaku celebrations at Jalan Bangkung street carnival in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, this Sunday. In fact, the Malaysiaku celebrations extend to all things good: food, music, dances and arts.
If you want a pop-up bookshop experience on the Bangkung Row, then do check out Opus Bistro, which will be turned into a small Malaysian book shop. The venue will also be hosting 30-minute conversations with several authors, including Lina Latif (Sidelines), Adilin Arifin (My Best Kept Secret), Saidah Rastam (Rosalie), Bernice Chauly (Once We Were There), an interview session with cartoonist Zunar by producer/ presenter Umapagan Ampikaipakan, Benz Ali (Jalan Kiri Menuju Syurga) and Nizam Zakaria (Halimunan and Mat & Mel).
The “book shop” and author sessions will start 3pm onwards.
At 2pm, The Bobo Piano Lounge will host a talk Key Economic And Political Reforms For Malaysia Baharu by Prof Datuk Woo Wing Thye and Dr Wong Chin Huat. The venue is also presenting Malaysia 2.0: Pressing The Reset Button by Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin and Fahmi Fadzil, Lembah Pantai MP at 5pm. The talk will be moderated by Eddin Khoo (Pusaka arts founder).
Five Arts Centre is part of the programme as the theatre company hosts DiBuang (Dalam) Negeri: Who And What Is Excluded From Malaysia Baharu?, a “fish bowl conversation”, at Leonardo’s Dining Room at 2pm. The talk will be presented by Marion D’Cruz and Jacqueline Ann Surin.
A poetry recital follows at 5pm at Leonardo’s Dining Room with spoken word poet and writer Melizarani T. Selva.
Apart from the literary events and talks, there will, of course, be the over 60 stalls selling all kinds of Malaysian food on the Bangkung Row.
Performances on the street also include traditional dances, a folk rock set from Azmyl Yunor, Nada Bayu and Ushera.
More info and full schedule at FB: Malaysiaku.