Science and Technology Aspects in Selected Malay Science Fiction Novels

Science fiction novels can be used in science communication and education to discuss science and technological aspects and issues subtly and informally. In this study, a textual analysis was carried out on two selected Malay science fiction novels—Kala Yuda (2010) and Equilibria (2012) - to identify four aspects of science and technology in the selected novels, particularly elements of science and technology, the image of science and technology, the image of scientists as well as issues in science and technology. The selected science fiction novels highlight the technology of human enhancement and space colonization and portray a balanced image of science and scientists as having both good and bad potentials. Several issues mainly ethical and social implications of science and technology such as playing God, transparency and social discrimination are depicted in the novels. The findings of this study can be used to further the utilization of science fiction novels in science education and communication and to develop the still limited pool of academic research on Malay science fiction novels.