BALAKONG: This evening, PSM made history yet again when it launched a mini library assembling left and progressive literature. The library, Pustaka Kiri, is an initiative of PSM's Kajang banch with the full backing of the party. Chong Ton Sim - veteran activist as well as long time publisher of progressive books hailed the event as historical as this according to him is the first such library in recent times. But he added the effort should not end there as many more such library and left literature must be spread all round the country. On his part, he said that he is planning to start a Pustaka Nusantara – a book stall comprising of progressive and left literate in this region.
Besides Chong, the launch was graced by Ishak Surin – one of the remaining founding members of Parti Rakyat, members from Persatuan Persahabatan berpanjangan and Persatuan Persahabatan Abad ke 21, comprising of former members of the Labour party, Socialist front and ex- ISA detainees. Also present were prominent and controversial artists Hishamuddin Rais and Amir Muhammad.
Dr. Nasir did the opening speech and this was followed Comrade Chong. PSM Kajang Secretary Letchimi Devi paid tribute to the many donors who donated their books. She hoped that this small effort will encourage many more young activist to come forward and play their role in building a strong movement with clarity. Then a brief banner unfolding event took place and the members of the public were led to the mini library. Members of the police Special Branch were denied entry as they were not in the invitation list.
At the library, a reenactment of the Baling talks were held. This was followed by yet another launching of the mural paintings of the revolutionaries of the world. Among prominent figures in the art, besides the legendary Marx & Engels were people like Tan Malaka, Boestaman, Lim Chin Siong, Samsiah fakeh, Rashid Mahidin and many others. It was a tribute artwork done by a young artist, Poodien, who drew many images of the great revolutionaries of the worlds whose philosophy and struggles led and continue to lead the opposition against capitalism for the creation of a socialist world.
Currently the library has a collection of classical books such as those from Marx, Engels, Lenin, Rosa Luxermburg, Mao to the books of Chavez; and books on the great revolutions such as Russia, Cuba, China and Venezuela. There is a collection of left and socialist journals and magazine from many parts of the world. Also a collection of progressive CDs are also available. Besides that, there is also a interesting collection of books on the Malaysian left – from the collections of the left nationalist movement as well as books on the Malaysian emergency and anti colonial struggle. Also books on human rights and democratic rights are also available,
For a start, the library will be open to the public for four days in a week. It is a new start and many more contributors are coming forward to donate their books and collections..You can also donate books or even book racks to this effort.
Let a thousand left libraries bloom. Let a thousand minds be liberated.
Come visit Pustaka Kiri!
No. 8, Tingkat 2, Jalan Balakong, Batu 11, Jalan Cheras,
Kajang, 43000, Selangor
Tel: 012-3762023 (Sevan)
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 2-8pm
