Novel Putera Gunung Tahan oleh Ishak Haji Muhammad Sebagai Wacana Balikan Pascakolonial (The novel Putera Gunung Tahan by Ishak Haji Muhammad as a Counter-colonial Discourse)

Abstract

Through its analysis of Ishak Haji Muhammad's novel Putera Gunung Tahan, this article seeks to highlight a counter discourse that challenges the colonial claim of superiority vis-a-vis the colonised. Several aspects of the colonial discourse are turned on their head. Firstly, the argument that colonisers would become deranged if they "go native" or become overly friendly with the "natives" is rendered false when coloniser Robert's insanity is clearly shown to be the work of a magic potion. Secondly, Ishak debunks the colonial discourse that represents "natives" as weak, wild, sexually rapacious, and abnormal when he portrays his protagonist, the colonised male Ratu Bongsu, as clever, strong, normal, and civilized, who successfully outsmarts William, rescues Mrs. William, and marries her.

Keywords: postcolonial, colonialism, postcolonial counter discourse, going native, civilizing mission

ABSTRAK

Makalah ini merungkai teks Putera Gunung Tahan untuk menyerlahkan wacana balikan yang menyanggah wacana kolonial tentang kelebihan bangsa Eropah berbanding bangsa peribumi yang dijajah. Beberapa aspek wacana kolonial dijungkirbalikkan. Pertama, wacana “menjadi peribumi” yang menghujahkan bangsa Eropah akan hilang kewarasannya jika menyukai peribumi, dipalsukan apabila novelis Ishak Haji Muhammad perlihatkan Robert menjadi gila kerana terkena ubat pengasih. Seterusnya, wacana yang memperagakan watak lelaki peribumi sebagai liar, rakus, lemah atau pondan disanggah apabila watak lelaki peribumi Ratu Bongsu diajukan sebagai pintar, kuat, normal dan santun, yang seterusnya mengalahkan penjajah William, menyelamatkan Puan William dan memperisterikannya.

Kata kunci: pascakolonial, kolonialisme, wacana balikan pascakolonial, menjadi peribumi, misi mentamadunkan