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Laman Rasmi Pustaka Negeri Sarawak

Baca.Reka.Cemerlang

THE SEAT

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Call no.
: 823
Penulis
: GEETHA K
Penyumbang
: Joponimilina Anak Lisen
Ringkasan
The Seat takes readers on a reflective journey through the changing landscape of Segambut, a once-thriving commune that now finds itself caught between the allure of modernity and the memories of its rich past. Set against the backdrop of the 14th General Election, the novel begins with an intriguing statement about the importance of the P117 seat, where the fate of Segambut and, symbolically, Malaysia is said to lie in the hands of its voters. For Satya, the narrative becomes personal. This seat, this pivotal moment in Malaysia's political history, triggers a wave of memories, both cherished and dark. Satya’s father, during the Disco era, built their ideal home in Kampung Sungai Jerneh, a once-vibrant community near Segambut's iconic railway line. This commune was more than just a place to live, it was a space where residents bonded over politics, pop culture, river meetings, and the irresistible draw of local dishes like curry and wajik. The close-knit nature of the community, tied together by shared history and culture, makes the eventual transformation of the area all the more poignant. The novel paints a vivid picture of the rapid urbanization that has overtaken Segambut. What once was a haven of waterfalls, rivers, and communal spaces has morphed into a concrete jungle. The railway line that once served as Segambut’s proud landmark has become a distant memory, as its surroundings evolve into a skyline of towering skyscrapers. In this shift, the true-blue natives are forced to compromise, relocate, and scatter, grappling with the changes that threaten to erase their past. As Satya reflects on these changes, the novel poses larger questions about Malaysia’s future, especially in the wake of the 14th General Election. Will the promise of Malaysia Baru (New Malaysia) truly heed the needs and voices of its people, particularly those whose histories and identities are so intricately tied to places like Segambut? Is this new era one of true progress, or is it an inevitable erasure of the memories and struggles of the past? The Seat is an evocative exploration of nostalgia, change, and the complexities of national identity. It weaves together personal memories with political commentary, asking whether the new Malaysia will honor its roots or whether it will continue to move forward at the cost of its history. For readers, this novel is more than just a reflection on Segambut; it’s a meditation on the broader changes happening in Malaysia as a whole, and the difficult choices that lie ahead for both individuals and the nation.