Independents Reflect

This chapter highlights the small group of “independents” without close ties to particular intellectual networks. Either their work recommended their inclusion, or fellow intellectuals cited them for their stature and influence. This chapter provides (as elsewhere, anonymized) portraits of some of them, including Mr. R., once a revolutionary and still a prominent behind-the-scenes opinion-maker; Pak Aziz, with years of political tribulations behind him and much public recognition for his writings; Arman, who lamented his personal transformation from fiery activist to middle-class editor; Dr. Raj, a historian who viewed himself as a warrior on the battleground of Malaysian history, trying to reshape the people’s consciousness through historical narrative; and Hashim, a brilliant creative writer and literary scholar who saw himself as an “outsider.”