Born and raised at home but becoming “homeless” is the common dilemma facing the Malays in Singapore. Malay Sketches unveils all the problems hidden under such modernity discourse that focuses on meritocracy, multiculturalism and secularism.

In the mainstream narrative, they are as though the disappearing indigenous population whose “backwardness” prevents them from participating in the rapid development of the modern society. Most characters in the stories belong to a minority community in Singapore - the Malays who made up 15% of the population – who are often marginalized and silenced. He is also regarded by the Singapore government as a political dissident.

As can be seen in the chapters titled by place names, the writer freely enters into people’s mind and thoughts to illustrate the frozen moments.Īlfian Sa’at is a well-known Singapore bilingual writer, poet and playwright. He makes stops, snaps pictures, and shows his readers various observations and imaginations of life. As if the writer brings with him a camera, captures the everyday moment on the street, or sneaks into the life of people in the HDB flats. These sketches of Singapore is written in the form of flash fiction, echoing the island’s geographical area and pace of living.

Reading Malay Sketches is like sitting on the longest East-West line train in Singapore, using about one hour’s time to traverse more than 30 stations and 50 kilometers from one end to another, overlooking the scenery on the ground. Writing about the silenced minority in Singapore

Corridor by Alfian Sa'at