The Bangsart S Anti Nasional Ep Revives Said Zahari S Protest Legacy

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To commemorate Malaysia Day, political rock band The Bangsart will be officially launching their debut EP “Anti-Nasional”, adapted from the poems of journalist and dissenting activist Said Zahari.
Said, also affectionately known as Pak Said, was imprisoned for 17 years without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA) during a crackdown on opposition politicians and activists in Singapore.
During his detention, his poems from prison were smuggled out, compiled, and published by fellow literary figure, Usman Awang. Three of these poems have been given a new life through the music in this EP.
The Bangsart explained that the titular track was a common accusation thrown against those who were often critical of the establishment back then, and such accusations remain relevant today.
“We chose the title ‘Anti-Nasional’ for the EP, because we believe that it is an accurate reflection of Said’s character.
“We wanted people to be more aware of his legacy, his contributions, and his fight for justice… His words have inspired generations to stand up against injustice,” said guitarist Aiman Hakim.
From left: The Bangsart’s violinist Norman Jelita, vocalist Amir Hariri Abd Hadi and guitarist Aiman HakimAiman acknowledged that the title “does sound quite harsh”, but emphasised that it was also the reason they chose to honour it.
The rock-inspired EP has been 10 years in the making.
The project began when Said’s family commissioned artist-activist Hishamuddin Rais to adapt the former’s poetry into music, which led to 10 tracks being recorded in 2015.
“At the time, these songs were originally meant to be featured alongside the publication of Pak Said’s memoir.
“We even had the opportunity to perform them in front of Pak Said himself, shortly before he passed away in 2016,” Aiman shared.
The Bangsart with Said Zahari circa 2016However, a change of plans and the band’s eventual hiatus led to the record being shelved.
When they reunited, The Bangsart decided this was a good time for their recording to see the light of day.
“Why have we chosen to do it (launch the EP) now? It’s because we feel like the sentiments in these lyrics are still incredibly relevant today, and we also want to encourage more artistic expression from the younger generation,” said vocalist Amir Hariri Abd Hadi.
“For example, perhaps not many from Gen Z are aware of Pak Said’s legacy. We want to revive his words as a reminder to the younger generation, and to continue an ongoing legacy of protest and dissent,” he added.
Amir, who is a seasoned activist and former Muda secretary-general, said the current political climate is also more receptive to alternative ideas and viewpoints.
He pointed out that before 2018, protesters would be shot with tear gas, arrested, and risk losing their jobs.
“Yet, throughout the timespan of a decade, we’ve seen our public spaces become more open… a lot has changed since then. Those who are involved in activism nowadays do not face the same level of brutality and crackdown as before.
“But of course, things can always be improved, and I think we need to remind ourselves that we always deserve better,” he added.
The Bangsart’s identity
The spirit of activism and rebellion is deeply rooted in The Bangsart’s identity.
The band’s name - which bears significant resemblance to the word bangsat, a Malay term that can be used as an insult - often raised eyebrows amongst polite society.
“Of course, we get this reaction everywhere we go, but we do not plan to change our name to something more ‘cute’ or ‘polite’.
“But the diplomatic answer for our name is that it is a combination of the words ‘Bangsar’ and ‘art’,” Amir explained, which paid homage to local activist collective Kelab Bangsar Utama, where the band originally established itself in 2013.
Amir said Kelab Bangsar Utama at the time was a hotbed of dissenting opinions and artistic expression among people of various backgrounds and political views.
In fact, Malaysiakini’s former office was just next door to Kelab Bangsar Utama.
Recalling the band’s early days, Amir also said there was a desire to ignite a more vibrant atmosphere within the street protests they often participated in.
“Back then, we wanted to add more colour to these protests and demonstrations, instead of just listening to speeches. We wanted to illustrate how demonstrations can also become a festival and celebration of democracy.
“During the Bersih protests, for example, we did not just lead with marching and music, but with effigies, banners, and slogans,” he shared.
The group was part of the Bersih 4.0 and Bersih 5.0 rallies in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
“One of our most memorable moments is when nearly all the members of our band were arrested and detained in lockup for several days, after the #TangkapNajib rally in 2015,” Amir recounted.
Honouring legacy of previous generations
Further addressing the changes in Malaysia’s political landscape, Amir highlighted how political movements, organisations, and individuals inevitably evolve.
He cited one of the band’s founding members, Adam Adli Abd Halim, as an example of an activist turned politician who is now the deputy youth and sports minister.
Today, the band consists of Amir, Aiman, violinist Norman Jelita, bassist Farhan Hasbullah, percussionist Azen Harith and drummer Nazuan Syafiq.
Acknowledging that Kelab Bangsar Utama has also evolved to focus on volunteering instead of activism, Amir nevertheless emphasised that the widespread support for the pursuit of justice remains.
More importantly, he said that the different generations of activists keep the legacy alive by drawing inspiration from one another.
“For example, Kelab Bangsar Utama was originally inspired by the resistance of previous generations. Now, we have other young activist collectives, such as Mandiri, with similar aims,” Amir said.
Aiman pointed out that they still receive support from people across different generations, who still believe in the same cause.
“So for us, music is not only meant as entertainment, but also as an educational tool that can bridge different generations together,” he added.
Not so punk, not so rock
Speaking of the future, the band intended to position itself as a “political rock band, that’s not so punk, not so rock.”
This, they explained, is because they refuse to be confined by specific genres, but instead choose to focus on the spirit of resistance that their music evokes.
Eventually, The Bangsart hopes to release a full-length album and go on tour.
“Anti-Nasional” is available on most music streaming platforms except Spotify - which the band is boycotting due to various issues including alleged exploitation of artists, as well as claims that the company’s CEO channels funds into the military industry.
Proceeds from the EP will be donated to Said’s next-of-kin.
- Mkini

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