Thus begins “Amidst the Folds”, the first poem in the anthology of “Continuum”, a book of poems by an author with wit as sharp as his way with words.

Raja Ahmad Aminullah is not a name most laymen would recognise at first mention, but for those keeping tabs on local politics, he is most certainly a figure to keep track of.

Poet, author and activist, Raja Ahmad has been writing since he could first pick up a pen and he has not stopped since.

Known for his outspoken views when championing issues for common folk, many of his works touch on matters of governance in Malaysia.

There have been enough times when his beliefs got him into trouble with those in power, though he has pushed on, undeterred.

When current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was imprisoned in 1999, Raja Ahmad had advocated that Anwar be allowed to seek medical treatment for a spinal injury. His call for clemency was not well received by his political peers and for a time, the poet became something of an outcast.

Fast forward to February 2022 and Raja Ahmad is occupying the same stage as Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the guest of honour at the official launch of “Continuum”.

It appears that the kindness shown by Raja Ahmad was never forgotten and perhaps that is what best describes the man’s character.

“Continuum” is as complex as its author, with the book containing over two dozen poems tackling a variety of subjects. While some reflect on the nature of life, others touch on more contemporary matters, such as the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m not one of those types who write about trees, stones and waves. The truth is, I’m not good enough a poet to write about those,” he told FMT.

Surprisingly enough, while some of these poems were written within the last decade, others not actually meant to be published in English at all.

“Some of the earlier poems were actually written in Bahasa Malaysia,” he said, with these particular pieces requiring careful translation.

Yet, he said writing poetry in Bahasa Malaysia and in English are not as dissimilar as one may expect, despite the differences of cadences and expressions.

According to him, he was always a voracious reader and aspiring writer, but his studies in the US cemented his passion for the written word.

Such was the power of his words that early on in his writing career, he was provided a column space in the New Straits Times, despite being a relative newcomer to the industry.

He does admit that his earlier works are quite different from his current ones. “When you are 20, you can’t express yourself as though you’re 60 or 70. Conversely, my friends tell me, ‘Since you are a senior citizen in your 60s, why do you express yourself as though you’re in your 20s?’”

Apparently, even though Raja Ahmad has the appearance of a mature, knowledgeable academic, the student activist in him is still very much alive.

To that end, Raja Ahmad prefers to write poetry about current issues and events that he witnesses himself.

Events which weigh heavily on his conscience often put him in the mood for writing; specifically, events which see underprivileged people struggling to get by in their daily lives.

A long-time social activist, many of Raja Ahmad’s poems call for empathy towards the plight of others.

“I once went to a launch ceremony at an art gallery. There was a lot of laughing, sipping of champagne. People were dressed to the nines,” he recalled, “talking about fine art.”

Later that day, he went to a mamak restaurant to enjoy a simple dinner, and outside, he saw some homeless people sleeping on the sidewalks.

The realisation hit him: the rich and powerful are often so far removed from the suffering of those far below them. “And to think some look down on the poor so derisively. It’s unfair!”

While his strong views have sometimes conflicted with the interests of some groups, he remains adamant these views be voiced out nonetheless, be it through articles or poetry.

With how rapidly the Malaysian political landscape is changing, Raja Ahmad said he believed young Malaysians are essential for the future and success of the country.

“Someone like me is already dinosaur-like. I still give my opinions but the best people to give nation-building ideas are the young generation.”

Get your own copy of “Continuum” here.