The Old Man at the Foot of the Mountain by Azizi Hj. Abdullah

The Old Man at The Foot of the Mountain, which won second prize in the Sabah Foundation II - Gapena Novel Awards (1981), explores the issue of the generation gap.



Through the character of Tukya, the author attempts to presents an insight into the older generation's tendency to stubbornly uphold tradition as evident from Tukya's bond with the natural environment surrounding the foot of Bongsu Mountain and the strict principles he adheres to in his work, which he considers noble and highly respectable.



The novel's strength lies in its characters and backdrop. The author scrupulously describes a detailed vision of the jungle to evoke a sense of connection and parallel between Tukya's age and the purity of the traditional lifestyle. Tukya is representative of a man who is steadfast in his efforts to preserve his integrity to the end.