A BOOK reading session was organised as a tribute to National Journalism Laureate Khalidah Adibah Amin, fondly known as Adibah Amin.
The session featured readings from As I Was Passing (Legacy Edition), a curated collection of her popular column As I Was Passing, originally published in the New Straits Times under her pseudonym Sri Delima in the 1970s and 1980s.
Former Federal Court judge and Universiti Malaya pro-chancellor Tan Sri Zainun Ali said Adibah’s articles should be introduced to younger generations through the school curriculum as her work stressed national unity, tolerance and the shared experiences that unite Malaysians.
“Currently, there is a seeming lack of understanding and tolerance of race and religion.
“If some agency can be moved to incorporate stories written by Adibah Amin in schools as part of the curriculum, it will go a long way towards planting the seeds of nationalism in the hearts and minds of our children and young people,” she said at the event at Monash University Malaysia in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, in Selangor.
Also present were veteran journalist Aishah Ali and the book’s chief editor Goh Lay Hua.
Aishah said Adibah was the reason she took up journalism.
“Her column spoke to me. It made me cry, laugh and most of all, it taught me the phenomenal power of words,” she said.
Adibah, 90, suffered a stroke in 2008 and has been unable to walk since May 2024.
Over the course of her journalism career, she served as an editor at The Star, Berita Harian and New Straits Times.
Beyond journalism, she is also known for her contributions as an educator, novelist and translator.
Besides becoming the first woman to be named Malaysia’s National Journalism Laureate in 2024, Adibah also received the prestigious SEA Write Award in 1991.
Five guest readers shared excerpts from the book.
They were Adibah’s sister, former Universiti Malaya English Department associate professor Dr Fadzilah Amin; actress, acting coach and former journalist Fatimah Abu Bakar; former Universiti Teknologi Mara professor Dr Habibah Ashari; writer, columnist, social activist and women’s rights advocate Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir and civil society leader and women’s rights advocate Zainah Anwar.
Host of the event, Monash University Malaysia president and pro vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said the university was pleased to celebrate Adibah’s work and the richness of Malaysia’s literary and cultural heritage.
“We received a copy of this commemorative legacy edition and felt we should celebrate her work here.
“Reading her columns, sharing a chuckle and remembering the small pleasures of good writing are simple acts of goodwill that keep her voice alive,” she said.
Those interested in obtaining a copy of Adibah’s book can contribute a minimum donation of RM50 per copy.
The donations will be used to fund Adibah’s healthcare expenses.
For details, email adibahamin.tribute@gmail.com
