Literature plays a very important role in the development of society because it is through writing and reading that ideas, thoughts and opinions are shared, discussed and debated.

And when it comes to Malaysia, the country has a deep literary history. The Malay Annals, considered one of the finest literary works in the Malay archipelago, and Hikayat Hang Tuah are just to name a few.

Looking at contemporary times, when Malaysia is going through such tremendous change and evolution, literature may just be that tool to ease the society into the future and bring it towards becoming a knowledge-based population.

And so it is in this spirit that this year’s George Town Literary Festival will go on in Penang starting this Friday, 28 November, and will run through till Sunday 30 November.

The George Town Literary Festival will run from 28 to 30 November in Penang.
The George Town Literary Festival will run from 28 to 30 November in Penang.

Umapagan Ambikaipagan, the festival’s director, says that Malaysians crave debate and have been doing it a lot more these days. However, the level of discourse leaves a lot to be desired if only because we have been living under a shroud of control.

“People need to realise that it’s okay to speak and think. That words aren’t moral or immoral. Actions are. But more importantly, it is at festivals like these, when we provide safe spaces for people to express themselves, that these realisations come to light,” he adds.

Aside from a long list of local writers such as Wong Phui Nam, Amir Muhammad, Eddin Khoo, Shivani Sivagurunathan, Tunku Halim and Rozlan Mohd Noor, a slew of international writers will also be present as well such as Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh (Singapore), Susan Barker (UK), Said El Haji (Netherlands), Leila S. Chudori (Indonesia) and Sudeep Sen (India).

The good mixture of writers will hopefully produces exposure and create a conducive learning environment that is essential to developing a vibrant thinking society.

“We need to be exposed to new thoughts and ideas from all across the globe. This will help both challenge and fortify our own belief systems,” says Umapagan.

The three-day festival will be held at the Whiteaways Arcade in George Town and will be packed with panel discussions, talks and workshops. Visit www.georgetownlitfest.com for more information.