Marina Mahathir launches novel by Limkokwing’s animation student Xygarathma Lebibi
Xygarathma Lebibi’s novel ‘Silent Bird’ was launched by socio-political activist and writer Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir at Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Cyberjaya, on 28 October 2015.
This is Xygarathma’s second book. The 19-year old Limkokwing student, currently doing her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Animation under the Faculty of Multimedia Creativity, had her first book published by Limkokwing University when she was just 12.
When asked the impetus for writing the book, Xygarathma explained it was the Founder and President of Limkokwing University himself, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Lim Kok Wing, that pushed her to do so.
After publishing her first book ‘Nothing, Something, Everything’, Xygarathma said she met with Tan Sri Lim and it was there that “I was challenged by Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing to create a book that was as good as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter”.
The following week she began to read Harry Potter and saw that the success of the series was in the feeling it gave to the readers. When the series was over, Xygarathma still wanted to know what happened to the characters.
She wanted her reader to have the same feeling, thus she began to develop the storyline for Silent Bird.
“A good book can make readers feel drawn into the character’s lives and thoughts and make you feel their sorrows and joys. And I thought, if my book could achieve this effect with someone, then it would be a success to me”.
Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir congratulated Xygarathma for her fantastic effort in writing the book. She said she was impressed that at such a young age Xygarathma could put together such a complex plot in a book.
“I can’t believe it was written by a 19-year old. It was so complex. I can understand, being a writer myself, I can really appreciate the thought and hard work that goes into writing a book.”
Also attending the book launch were representatives from Limkokwing University and the Faculty of Multimedia Creativity (FMC) to show support to Xygarathma. Among them were Limkokwing Senior Vice President Dato’ Raja Aznil Raja Hisham, FMC Programme Leader Seng Kee Choy, lecturers and university staff.