This grim episode in the history of the first peoples in Perak has often been omitted from chronicles of the past. In Semai author Akiya’s groundbreaking 2013 novel “Hamba”, this period takes centre stage, coming to life in a deeply moving narrative with powerful and memorable characters.

Now the novel, originally written in Malay, has been translated into English as “Slave” by writer and editor Jason S Ganesan, and published by the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns. The book is officially being launched today at the Centre for Malaysian Indigenous Studies Universiti Malaya.

“The inspiration for writing ‘Hamba’ came after I saw that no such novel had been written by anyone in Malaysia. I gathered up the courage to pen a story that had been omitted from the mainstream – about this dark chapter in the history of Orang Asli, to be read by the next generation,” Akiya told FMT Lifestyle.

“I wanted to share the tears, the loneliness, the tales of those called slaves: to inhabit their souls, to live through them.”

Akiya is the pen name of Mahat Cina, a Semai writer, photographer and former radio DJ who hails from Kampung Erong, Hilir Perak. His credits include the novels “Perang Sangkil” (2007), “Pos Terakhir” (2016), “Kami” (2018), and “Ludaad” (2022), as well as the anthology “Tuntut” (2001) and poetry compilation “Perjuangan Warisan Orang Asli: Suara Dari Dalam” (2009).

“Hamba” is the first of his works to be translated into English. Akiya expressed appreciation to COAC founder Dr Colin Nicholas for accepting his manuscript, and to Jason for working on the translation.

The novel tells the tale of Bujal, a noble and strong Semai man who is captured and sold to Engku Kahar, a cruel district chieftain. For the uninitiated, the Semai are the largest of the Senoi peoples in peninsular Malaysia.

Life on Engku Kahar’s estate is difficult, and Bujal encounters many colourful characters, all of whom have goals and schemes of their own. These include Datuk Panglima Hitam, Engku Kahar’s conniving right-hand man; the sycophantic debt slave Majid; and Bulan, a beautiful Temuan concubine.

Things get complicated when Bujal’s good looks catch the eye of Engku Wati, Engku Kahar’s beloved daughter. Can a relationship between them actually be possible? And will Bujal and the other slaves ever win their freedom?

Jason said he had learnt about “Hamba” from online discussions of the author’s works. Despite anticipating that the subject matter would be harrowing, he said he had not expected the novel to move him so much.

“I had trouble getting through the first few chapters; I teared up and had to put the book aside. It sat at my bedside for weeks because I couldn’t bring myself to put myself through more. But I steeled myself because it had to be done,” said Jason, who won the 2023 Muara Writing Prize for his short story “Killing Fields”.

He believes few books chronicle the historical enslavement of the Orang Asli, and as such, it is important that Akiya’s narrative reaches as many people as possible. He was also careful to ensure the author’s distinctive voice shone through in the translation.

“There are several mentions of the relentless dirge of the clanking shackles and chains around the ankles of the enslaved, of how it became the nightmarish soundtrack of their entire lives. To me, that was the rhythm that underscored the writing of the whole book – relentless and brutal – and that was what I aimed to capture,” Jason said.

For Akiya, “Slave” is built around the essential meaning of what it means to be human: to live with respect for one another, to cast away all thoughts of racism, and to not deprive anyone of their right to live and prosper on this earth.

“I also want this novel to serve as a warning not to let this dark chapter of history recur in this day and age. Alas, reading the news, we see that it does,” he expressed. “Humans are being traded by traffickers, and are made to be modern-day slaves. And the deluge of sycophants – those are the slaves of our time.”

‘Slave’ book launch
Featuring Akiya and anthropologist Kamal Solhaimi Fadzil, moderated by Jason S Ganesan

When:
3pm today (Sunday, Sept 15)

Where:
Centre for Malaysian Indigenous Studies Universiti Malaya (CMIS)
11, Jalan 16/4, Section 16,
47350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

For location, click here.

Get your copy of ‘Slave’ from Gerakbudaya and other major bookstores. Learn more about the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns on Facebook.