Yesterday, National laureate Datuk Dr Shahnon Ahmad passed away from pneumonia. He was 84. In 1982 was awarded with the National Literary Award. By then his body of work included the novels “Minister” and “Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan” translated as “No Harvest but a Thorn” published in 1966. While Shahnon was a write and academic, he Professor Emeritus at Universiti Sains Malaysia. He did have one term as MP in Sik, Kedah, winning the seat as a PAS member in the 1999 general election during the Reformasi period. Today we explore, his contributions as well as his relationship with the political establishment.