Translated poetry book by Malaysian writer gets longlisted for an international literary prize

"It is my song of love and lament for the indigenous people of Sarawak, " says Sarawakian poet Kulleh Grasi about his book, 'Tell Me, Kenyalang'. Photo: Kelvin Chan

A translated poetry book by Malaysian author Kulleh Grasi has made it to the longlist of the 2020 Best Translated Books Award. This is the first time a book by a Malaysian writer and translator have made it into the running for this American literary prize.

Tell Me, Kenyalang, was written in Bahasa Malaysia by Kulleh Grasi, and translated into English by Pauline Fan. It is one of 10 poetry books from all around the world that have been longlisted this year.