About the Book
Dina Zaman has spent her life writing about identity, race and religion. During the pandemic, she found herself thinking about Malaysians who expressed their disempowerment and sense of displacement from their own country. Where did all these feelings come from? How did we get here?
 
Nearly two decades after the publication of I Am Muslim, Zaman returns with Malayland to explore what it means to be Malay and Muslim in the 21st century. Part memoir and part observation, Zaman draws on her life-long fascination with identity, race and religion as a third culture kid, who has seen the growth of post-colonial Malaysia ebb and flow for the past few decades.

Malayland aims to spark debate among readers on what the meaning of identity is, how class and rural-urban migration play a role in the ethnic chasm, and explore the many faces Malays and Malaysia have in different contexts.

About the Author
Dina Zaman is a Kuala Lumpur-based writer. She is the co-founder of IMAN Research — a think tank focusing on socio-political and security matters. She has written extensively for Malaysian media outlets and is a contributor to The Jakarta Post. Her latest passion projects revolve around Terengganu Royal History. You can find out more about her work at www.gongkapasmedia.com and www.imanresearch.com.

Advance Praise
"A must-read book offering a unique perspective on the unseen dynamics of Malaysian life."
Dr. Noor Huda Ismail

"Dina Zaman’s work raises urgent questions about the direction of Malaysia’s reforms, particularly how progressive values can coexist with conservative religious currents."
Amina Rasul-Bernardo

"Caught between worlds, Dina — ever the curious outsider — wrestles with identity and belonging … This is a deeply personal work, a frank and unflinching interrogation of stereotypical framing."
Dr. Greg Barton