proven to contain such elements when the mass media
reports and statistics are referred to. The issues of
poverty, oppression, distortion, social problem, vices,
politics and polygamy are among issues which always
take place in the society. Nonetheless, not all are
revealed. Only selected cases are exposed to the
public.
Besides the aforementioned issues, Shahnon also
gives focus on matters pertaining to death; either the
after-death life or the life heading towards death.
Those works of Shahnon resemble life stages which
include the final stage of life, the reminder of death,
the imagination of death and the wait for the onset of
death. To illustrate, such matters are contained in
several short stories in anthology Jeritan Pulau
(2011). Even before that, Shahnon produces few
short stories with the theme of death - “Lagu Kit-Kit”
and “Mayat”. However, these two short stories tell
the reactions of the family members when facing the
death of a family member. This is different from the
short stories in Jeritan Pulau, which attempts at
exploring the souls of those waiting for their family
member’s death onset. The short story “Kematian”
tells how the family is in high hope that the mother’s
life is ended, for they cannot bear seeing the suffering.
This is similar to the short story “Ipin” in which the
family is waiting for the eternal farewell. This clearly
shows that Shahnon Ahmad does not limit his
writings to certain issues only. He even successfully
explores the emotions of every character. The sketch
of anxiety in his works touches readers’ hearts and it
is able to make readers develop certain feelings of
happiness and sadness. Indeed, not all authors have
the ability to present the soul struggle in a character
the way Shahnon does. This ability is such a forte for
Shahnon Ahmad that it makes the storyline alive and
fresh. The same applies to some of his works
portraying the intimate issues between men and
women as contained in the novels Sutan Baginda and
Tivi. In relation with this, some literature activists
regard these two novels as polluted with pornography
elements.
The novels Sutan Baginda and TIVI are among
those which have gained popularity among the public
as they describe pretty hot scenes alongside with the
social issues that are challenging to the Malays. The
novel Sutan Baginda tells a political journey of its
first character, Sutan Baginda. He is an ambitious
politician who aims at holding the highest political
position. Therefore, he is willing to do anything for
the sake of getting what he wants. Even though he has
already had two wives, he still possesses a mistress.
His relationship with Fidah is well known and
approved by Fidah’s parents. However, this lady is
quite cunning and she is not ready to be Sutan
Baginda’s mistress forever. Instead, she works hand
in hand with Sutan Baginda’s enemy, Nirwan.
Fidah’s action is worrisome to Sutan Baginda. He is
confident that Fidah will reveal all his evil plans to let
down Nirwan. This anxiety and disappointment
make him experience an emotional disturbance. The
novel ends in a state in which Sutan Baginda becomes
insane.
The novel TIVI, on the other hand, describes the
character Chah who works in a factory, and starts
living freely. Her dressings begin to change and so
does her social lifestyle. She brings home a television
and a video player for her family entertainment. The
family, who was once very obedient towards the
command of Allah has lost focus when they indulge
in the various rapturous television programmes.
Chah has also unashamedly brought home her
boyfriend and sleep over together in her room. The
climax of the novel is when Chah brings home a video
player and a pornographic compact disc. The
existence of these entertainment tools has invited
negative consequences when incest and rape happen.
The television brought back by Chah has totally
changed the lifestyle of the family till Mat Isa and
Chah have no longer felt guilty of committing sins.
This novel ends with the death of Chah’s family
member being struck by lightning. Even so, Chah
who is the main culprit is safe. Maybe the author
wants to develop a sense of repentance in Chah’s soul
and make her return to God.
Even though the novels Sutan Baginda and TIVI
both portray social issue, there are other issues, too,
shown in Sutan Baginda. Sutan Baginda reflects
Shahnon Ahmad’s observations and anxiety towards
the social phenomenon hitting the country. The moral
decay and vices illustrated by Shahnon is not a mere
empty talk. It is an alarming societal issue. As
highlighted by Shahnon Ahmad in both the novels,
the phenomenon implicates the Malays who are
synonymous to the Muslim. Indeed, Shahnon Ahmad
is neither imagining nor fantasising. What has been
sketched by Shahnon Ahmad is a tragedy impacting
young girls, parents and many others. In fact, today it
is getting more serious. Baby dumping cases are
increasing and inverse relationships are getting their
place in the society. This proves how Shahnon
Ahmad writes with his caring thinking towards the
society. Hence, he may be regarded as a writer who
contributes towards the society’s development. If the
works are meticulously analysed, they are full with
sarcasm, satire and total exposure towards the
phenomenon hitting the country. This is because