BY NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
KUCHING: Inspiration comes in many forms, and one does not need to be a prolific journalist to come out with amazing stories.
Stanley Gona Chee Khiong, who earned third place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) awards ceremony on Sept 10, told New Sarawak Tribune that he had always been fond of writing short stories.
“I am not a journalist per se but writing short stories has been a hobby of mine and I really enjoy sitting in the coffee shop and observing the little things happening around me,” said Stanley, who is of Indian-Chinese parentage.
“Sometimes you think that you are born and raised in Sarawak, your whole life means you know every nook and cranny of Sarawak but in actuality, we do not know much about Sarawak.
“Sarawak is filled with unlimited wonderful places and culture for us to explore.”
Every year, Stanley would join his colleague, Frankie Joseph, to celebrate Gawai at Kampung Tebakang near here.
“When I go there, it does not feel as if I am visiting people but it feels like a homecoming.”
His visits to Kampung Tebakang inspired him to write a short story titled Not Just a Visit, It’s Our Homecoming.
The following is an excerpt:
Here’s the magic: Fredy’s special brand of Sarawakian hospitality! He welcomes us as members of his family! In a nutshell, you’re not a stranger or a visitor – you’re family! It’s not just a visit, it’s our homecoming!
Stanley said he and his family went to a wedding at Kampung Pinchin and they were welcomed by the groom’s father like family. They were very touched by the way they were treated.
“I never experienced such heartwarming hospitality, and I dare say, this kind of hospitality you can never find in the city.
“I always encourage my friends to go to these kinds of places and experience it first hand. It is in fact one of those moments that I feel very proud to be a Sarawakian.”
Apart from this, the stories on unity that he had written were actually based on his own first-hand experience.
“I believe that only by being able to experience something that touches your heart, only then you can write your stories well.
“But of course, I would not be able to write good short stories if I did not get support from my wife and daughters. Thanks to my parents as well for encouraging me to read at a very young age.”
Stanley’s parents worked as educators and they often bought him and his sister books in English, especially those by Enid Blyton.
“The way they encouraged me to read since I was young has become a habit for me, to read until this day and even write my own short stories!
“That is why I am planning to compile all the short stories that I have written in the hope that I am able to share them to the younger generation.”
The following is an excerpt from his award-winning short story titled Unity In Challenging Times.
Many of us, including yours truly, supported our frontliners through noble needs. There are many examples. Sarawakians left the comfort and safety of home to donate blood, provided meals to the needy, and even made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our dear frontliners!
These challenging times have brought out the best in us. Yes, our flag of unity flutters proudly, a true reflection of who we are! We are one!
