ninotaziz's Blog, page 14

17 Cool and Commited Malaysians

Blogger Monyet King has dedicated the seventeen days between 31st August to 16th September to a series on nation building. I thank him for including my work on Malaysian Hikayat in the list. I am humbled and honoured._____________________________________ Saturday, September 8, 2012Cool and Committed Malaysians # 9 - ninotazizThe Merdeka Cool and Committed Malaysians stories continue with ninotaziz, writer and an extraordinary storyteller – who is determined to use our legends towards creating a sense of pride in our people and to put our Hikayat on the world stage. Ninot’s real name is Zalina Abdul Aziz. She was born in Tasmania, Australia, raised in the village of Chenor, Malaysia, educated in Canada and now lives in KL. She is the author of From the Written Stone (2006), Srikandi (2011), HIKAYAT – From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms (2012) and NAGA – A Legend of Tasik Chini (2012). Her current book projects include Kembara Sastera Manuskrip dan Pantun Melayu, Ratu Nusantara, 366 Legends of Asia and From the Wayang Kulit. Ninot is also currently working on her second novel entitled Onangkiu - From Gelanggui to Bija Nagara.


Ninot at her office with SriKandi which was published in 2011
For the rest of the article, visit here.


17 Cool and Committed Malaysians series
The 17 Cool and Committed Malaysians series is produced by Planet of the Monyets in conjunction with our Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia 2012. 17 Malaysians (or group of Malaysians) who have served or are serving our country or made it proud because of their accomplishments will be featured. 1 story every day, for 17 days. 31 August till 16 September. They may not be big names. But they are men and women who serve Malaysia well – through their commitment to work, charity, sports and arts. They are role models for the rest of us. Malaysia needs heroes, hope and good news. This is the monyets’ way of spreading cheer, giving hope and creating a more positive Malaysia. Read more here.     

HIKAYAT on BERNAMARadio24 (FM93.9)

ninotaziz with Gerardon Radio24
I was nervous and had a cold. After a short interview on Bernama Today last week, I was invited once again to have a longer session on radio in conjunction with Merdeka.
I must thank Gerard, the host who made it appear easy-going, producer Jun Sern who prepped me just before the show, and Shawn who made me feel so welcome. I must say Radio is so much fun, while the TV appearance was quite scary. Nevertheless, as both interviews were live sessions, it felt daunting indeed to a newcomer like me.
The interview was scheduled to run for 45 minutes, it went on for over 1 hour 20 minutes. It is to the guys' credit that it was so enjoyable. I came away with the one message I wanted so much to say.
The Hikayat is our heritage. We must take ownership of the legends because they belong to all of us.
When I say all of us - just so that everyone is clear - I mean everyone. All Malaysians. I mentioned that when you read Hikayat, you will find something intrinsic of yourself in them. You will seek what you want to find. There was a movement of people that centered around the Semenanjung. Everyone wanted something form this land. Gold. Power. Love. Take ownership my friends, before someone takes it away from us.
Our diversity is what makes Malaysia unique. Embrace it. Don't let it destroy us.
Goodnight, everyone.
Merdeka!

Selamat Hari Raya from Rudy, ninotaziz and family

Selamat Hari Rayafrom all of us at homeRudy, ninotazizIman, Inas, Irani, Ilena and Little Ikesha

The ancient call of the nusantara

gamelan
_____________________yesterday it was ancienttoday, it is forever new by tomorrow, it will be timeless
___________________________________The beauty of gamelan is in its staccato pride,
the sense of calm as you play to breatheand breathe to play a song from the past
_________to know meto love meto accept meyou must understand
i am an island girl
and the rhythmic callof the bronze orchestraseduces my ancestorswithin me


Copyright 2012 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved. 

My Sanctuary

Over the years, this is where wedance, play, read, write, browse chase the cats, wear stylish hats,  have brick bratshold family meetings, gatherings, greetingspack up, put on make-up
before we walk out the door
and brave the world

The girl who started fasting

This is the first yearIkesha started fasting.
Alhamdulillah.

NAGA TASIK CHINI WORLDWIDE RELEASE : ONLINE

N A G A A novel by: ninotazizISBN: 1-4771-2924-3 (Trade Hardback 6x9)ISBN13: 978-1-4771-2924-1 (Trade Hardback 6x9)ISBN: 1-4771-2923-5 (Trade Paperback 6x9)ISBN13: 978-1-4771-2923-4 (Trade Paperback 6x9)Pages : 239Book Format : Trade Book 6x9Subject : FICTION / General
Description ‘Loyalty and betrayal are the two faces of human nature, 
which give rise to legends that withstand the test of time.’


NAGA spans three realms from the ancient world – Middle Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty, Nagara and Bhumi Semenanjung Melayu. It is the story of three adventurers, Sri Gemom, Srikandi and Kemboja and how fate set their worlds on a collision course that shook the very foundations of an ancient civilisation. More than that, against the background of sorcery and magic, the tragic tale of survival and loyalty shines through.To purchase : click here
Available as well at Barnes&Noble

Mimpi Onangkiu

Illustration by Malek Rahim

Dalam duri ada apiDalam api ada bara Sejak kecil ku bermimpiTapak kaki menjejak samudera
Hilang sedih, rindu kembaliHilang ditengah lautanHilang sudah GellanguiHilang dari ingatan
Dari mana datangnya sayangDari mata turun ke hatiSudah lama terbayang bayangMemanggil Tuan Puteri
Satu satunya pujaan mataIndah berseri di dalam tamanRatu di Bija NagaraMasih terkenang kampong halaman
Dian membakar diriTerang seluruh semestaKeturunan Melayu sejatiMenzahirkan Raja semua Negara

Copyright 2012 © ninotaziz. All Rights Reserved.

A WONDERFUL DAY AT ATMA

Berita Harian  18thJuly 2012
About two months ago I received this email from Prof Ding Choo Ming, my mentor and friend from the Institute Alam & Tamadun Melayu, UKM (ATMA). "...we would like to invite you to ATMA to give a talk on your experience, technique and skills in telling ancient stories to modern readers.  You are one of the rare tukang cerita now! The tentative date in on the 10th July subject  to the availability of ATMA's director who is going to preside the 2 hours seminar...It is just a small gathering of some fellows from ATMA, some students and of course reporters from our local newspapers...What is different is you are the keturunan jati daripada keturunan tukang cerita yang panjang, maka penuh dengan misteri ... Salam hormat Ding"

I was delighted and humbled to receive this invitation as my association with ATMA over the last six years have been one of friendship and enlightenment. I was a bit worried about what was expected of me. But then, Prof Ding assured me it was a small gathering of minds and told me not to worry.

With Prof Ding Choo Ming at his office
Iman, my eldest daughter who is turning out to be such a wonderful help,  took care of all the details like driving me to UKM, taking care of my books and illustrations (which our dear Sir Remgold  advised me to bring along - Thank you kind Sir)
Receiving a gift to be treasured from Prof Dr Abdul Latif Hj Samian, ATMA Director
Prof Ding's student from Malaysia, Japan and Hong KongI enjoyed telling them the story Puteri Saadong
HAK, an FB friend, turned up for the event. Apart from writing, we have found another connector - Adiguru Pak Nasir of ASWARA. Pleasure meeting you HAK!
I met writer Nisah Haron at Goodreads Malaysia. Our love for books brought us together!
Dato Zawiyah Baba had already bought Hikayat before the Wacana event.She was such a delight to talk to.
It turned out that the room was full. After my talk, the audience started asking questions. When each of them introduced themselves, I was a bit shocked. Prof Dr Harun Mat Piah was there - had I known, I would have been very nervous indeed about the talk. Dato Zawiyah Baba. As it is, the talk was a wonderful experience. A student from Hong Kong asked me to tell the story Puteri Saadong. I also told the story of Onangkiu and my version of NAGA.

12th July 2012 was certainly a day etched in my memory. Thank you ATMA!

Friends and Family at the Book Release

 Thank you for coming, everyone!
Hikayat Babies
With Shazlin, my friend since Seri Puteri daysand her kids, Kalia, Putra and Nisha
With Yolanda, a gem of a friend
With Damien, an old friend and writerand Ruben (far left)
Sisters, Khadijah and Farahwith Mum
Seri Puteri gang againDearest Habs and Uyun who just arrived from Hong Kong the same day.
The Rantau Panjang clanThank you Eita (middle front), my sister in law who arranged the exhibition
With Kak Mah
the eldest cousin in the family
Crookshanks
Ilena was besotted with gamelan
Introducing Srikandi Inrasaraof upcoming book, NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini