Around 200 people were touched during the night of the Pulara Dalam Kenangan 2020, a special tribute to the late Dr Mohamed Ghazali Abdul Rashid, a Perakean literary figure.
Affectionately known by his pen name, Malim Ghozali PK or Pak Malim,his passing was considered an undeniably huge loss in the literary world.
According to the State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi, the tribute is to remember the late Mohamed Ghazali’s contributions and sacrifices to the country, especially Perak itself.
“Pak Malim’s death had a profound effect on the world of literature in Malaysia. His spirit had brought the International Poetry and Folk Song (Pulara) Festival to life here from 2010 till 2017,” she told reporters after the launch of Pulara in Memory 2020, Tribute to Malim Ghozali PK at Puteri Bayu Beach Resort, Pulau Pangkor yesterday night (September 4).
“Through his works, the late Pak Malim not only enlivened the literary world, but he also united poets around the globe, bringing Pangkor to international recognition,” Nolee Ashilin added. “Perak and Malaysia were promoted through the 33rd World Congress of Poets in 2013, which was held in Pangkor Island, with more than 200 poets from around the world who participated.”
Also present were the state assemblyman for Pangkor, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and widow of Pak Malim, Ratnawati Jamil.
Malim Ghozali PK was born and raised in Malim Nawar. He received the Southeast Asian Writers Award (S.E.A. Writer Award) in 2013 before being nominated as Writer of Perak (Sasterawan Perak) the following year.
He was able to finish a few of his creations, including Gunung Cha, his latest novel, which was translated into English.
Nolee Ashilin also mentioned that the state government will propose holding Pulara as an annual programme, subject to the latest status of global COVID-19 due to participation from literary individuals around the world.
“The late Pak Malim has helped make Pangkor Island a famous tourism spot,” she expressed. “In our opinion, Pulara should be continued because it brings and unites poets on an international level. Yet, we’ll still need to discuss if it’ll be made an annual affair.”
Rosli Mansor
