For a better world, try poetry, says Raja Ahmad Aminullah

'There has to be conversation between all parts of society. We cannot work and create in silos,' says Raja Ahmad. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli

Sitting in his chair in a humble shoplot in Petaling Jaya filled with rare books, artwork and other knick-knacks that he’s collected over the years is Raja Ahmad Aminullah, eyes twinkling behind his glasses as he regales me with tales of his youthful exploits.

He’s often attributed as an author, poet and cultural activist, and to be sure, he is all that. But at his core, Raja Ahmad is an idealist. Not in a Pollyanna way, but in a way that calls out injustice as and when he sees it.