Silverfish Books founder on pandemic challenges, social media and retirement

'I hope someone will carry on, in some form, the idea of promoting Malaysian literature. I would like that person to have similar ideas to me, instead of changing this place into a stationery store!' says Raman Krishan, Silverfish Books founder and owner, who isn’t thinking about retirement yet. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon

When Raman Krishnan was planning to open his independent bookstore more than 20 years ago, he received some advice: “Don’t ever call it Silverfish”.

“I was in the Lake Gardens, with a few friends, and wondering what to call the bookstore. My friend said all his father’s books had been eaten by silverfish. So don’t call it that. I turned to my other friend, and said, ‘Silverfish it is!’ That’s the name, ” recalls Raman, 72, in an interview at his bookshop in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.