Intellectual Conversations: Malaysian Writers and Thinkers in the 1970s (2024)

By: Daniel Regan

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Synopsis: This book conveys the essence of a series of guided conversations with leading Malaysian intellectuals—predominantly writers, journalists, academicians, some artists, and other thinkers—in the early 1970s. Based on interviews with 133 intellectuals, supplemented by hours of informal conversation, socializing, and common attendance at intellectual activities or events, the book highlights the cultural significance of the 1970s, an under-appreciated era, and features “conversations” on topics that are integral to the nation’s intellectual history. Topics covered include freedom of speech and expression, their most admired cultural centres, religion, democracy, and the role for intellectuals in Malaysian society. The project uses an innovative approach that eschews conventional biographical sketches in favour of allowing intellectual informants to “speak” in their own voices.