By Khairun Nizam Hosen
Poetry is an art form that conveys hidden meanings through words. Although regarded as scarce during the mid-twentieth century, it has now gained popularity due to the underground Malaysian writers who are active in inducting various sorts of discourses that implement the use of poetry such as poetry slams, producing magazines and conducting talks that are related to poetry.
Several popular figures of the underground scene are Wani Ardy and of course the ever popular Fynn Jamal. But let’s not forget about those who are striving to preserve the traditional poetry of the Malays, which comes by the acronym DEKMAL, which translates to Kelab Deklamator Malaysia. They strive to keep alive traditional poetry such as pantun, gurindam, syair and seloka. Either way these people should be respected and held in high regard.
Prior to the introduction, the students of IIUM now have the chance to experience this culture through a club that has been established for quite a while now in IIUM, which is IIUM Poetry Club. The club was established in 2004 by the Cultural and Arts Division, and now it is under the supervision of CITRA, the new cultural division which also translates to Centre for Islamic Cultural Centre. It is one of the 14 clubs that are available in CITRA.
In Poetry Club you will be able to experience the beauty of literature first hand by joining various activities that are available, for example, the open mic session where there is a platform provided for all of IIUM students to express their feelings through poetry, be it by singing or plainly reciting. Other activities are the pantun competition, which is a very well established expertise among the pantunians.
The proof is that they have won multiple competitions throughout Malaysia. Our own pantun team is so good that they will either get first or second place in any competition they joined since 2010. Furthermore, the Poetry Club does not only conduct poetic-based programmes, they also have camps where they often dwell into secluded camps by the countryside while having fun outdoor activities, but with a poetry night of course, where the club members will compete against each other in determining the best performer among them.
Club admissions are open by the first and second week of each semester. The only requirement to join the club is that the person should show interest in poetry, and is committed to join all sorts of club activities. This is surely an opportunity not to be missed by poetic enthusiasts of IIUM.***