I read the Sun's very entertaining interview with Cecil Rajendra (poet, writer, lawyer, crusader for human rights) on the flight back from Manila. Hadn't realised that he'd been nominated for this year's Nobel - now, that's really something.I find the literary scene here much too incestuous and inward looking. ... it lacks what I call "testicular fortitude".he says. Wonder what he'd make of the Saturday readings?
He's currently working on two books - both of which sound extremely interesting. The first is about the legendary stripper Rose Chan whom he came to know towards the end of her life when she was dying of cancer. The second is entitled The Secret Journal Of A Tantric which he doesn't think will be published here in a country:
... so sexually uptight that it views homosexuality as a threat to the nation. Incidentally, I have never quite figured out how a gay minister is a greater threat to the nation than a corrupt minister.Nice one!
13 comments:
Hurray for the brave unapologetically outspoken few! God knows this country need more people like that!
I admire a man who can choose to be truly himself and not water down his views just so people will accept him.
It takes courage to speak the truth in places people prefer to be placated by lies.
I can't wait to read on what he has to say about Rose Chan, lah!
Cecil ! An old, old friend - was a young court reporter and he was a young and vocal lawyer and poet.
Welcome back Sharon.
starlight, erna - yep, exactly ...
nizam - me too! and the tantric one ... what the hell is wrong with someone wanting to write about tantric sex and the rest of it?
kak teh - many thanks! i think you know everyone. where are you kak teh? here or there?
Wow... And I stopped by your blog precisely to tell you I'd just heard about Cecil Rajendra's Nobel nomination.. when there was your post!
sharon, am back in cold soggy Londra already. aaah, cecil? we used to sit under that big tree outside Ho Peng Cafe (or Cafe De Paris) in Light Street after court cases - he is quite a joker!
See how current I am sharanya!!
kak teh - that was a flying visit! will just have to catch up with you then at that end of the world!
Damn, I may have never heard of him, but to see him speak out my thoughts makes me shudder with joy.
Looks like CR knows what sells :) as for the poem, I wonder if Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night" would be more appropriate :)
HAH! dammit, I knew that Cecil bloke sounded vaguely familiar, I saw it here but didn't get around to reading the interview.
Well I just did, and he's a veeeery interesting guy isn't he?
Hi Sharon..stumbled upon your blog being a fellow blogger. Haha, thanks for being so supportive of my Dad.
welcome sha - nice to hear from you. it was a really good interview and your dad talks a lot of sense ...
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