Memory Lane 21/07/2002

Talking to Kilin

Michael Spiteri is not a politician even though he loves his country like hell. Many do not know him by name but if someone whisper's the word "Kilin" then everyone will stand up and notice. The children just love reading his books and his weekly features on the popular magazine, Saghtar.

Today, living quietly at the age of 85 he still finds time to read, write and experience the few nice things that life still gives. "I am not a young man anymore and lately I have been losing some of my eye-sight, so it's not that easy. But I still work on my computer and always try to keep myself occupied," he said.

"Kilin" hails from Rabat and is in love with literature. But he was a late starter and only started writing poems and stories when he became a grandfather. He remembers that the first poem he wrote was "Jekk qatt ma doqt il-benna taz-Zebbuga."

Spiteri also contributed a lot in the local newspapers and wrote about the importance of all languages. "Obviously the Maltese language is something which I adore, it's rich an healthy but unfortunately it is not being used well. There was pressure in the past and even today there is an awareness for the language to be read and talked well even at media level. But as always, following some tough measures at first, we go back to square one. They tried to do it at the PBS long time ago and in some other stations, but it never materialised.

"Languages are all rich and are all important. The BBC and RAI give example on how a language should be read. I taught myself to read several languages including Spanish and French. Languages are a way of life and culture."

Kilin is the father of seven children, grandfather of 17 and great-grandfather of 12. Besides writing books for children, Kilin's other hobbies are chess, photography, classical music and acting.

Today's world he finds tougher than before with fewer values. He said that before the young would respect everyone but today they've really lost their identity. Television, although a good invention has done as much harm as good to the Maltese society.

"It is better being informed of what is happening in other countries but on the other hand, copying what other countries do, may sometimes work against you. We have not kept the same identity. Even during feasts, everyone used to buy and wear the best dress or suit available, now it's all drinking and shouting rude words and abuse.

"Unfortunately the idea that everyone can do whatever he or she likes has become something that has to do with Maltese culture. Stealing, swearing etc. has become the order of the day. Even our youths have become like a herd. If the majority say that one can't have fun except at Paceville, then everyone goes to Paceville.

"Marriages have become like a joke. Marry for a year or two and change partners. We have become worse than dogs." Kilin also said that he has been happily married for 61 years, so why can't today generation be loyal, it is something which both partners promise when the get married. But today even promises have become a joke.

But Kilin also said; "I am not stating that everything is bad and rotten in this country. The people that run the MUSEUM are doing a wonderful job helping others moving on to the right track. Let's hope that there will be more of them.'"

Kilin was talking to Ray Abdilla