Veteran activist Zainah Anwar of Sisters in Islam talks candidly on her passion for latin music, ideas of happiness, and admiration for a certain freedom fighter.

If you were forced to live on a desert island, and you could have only one person accompany you, who would that be? Why?

My cat. I have not lived with another human being for a very long time, and I certainly do not wish to be marooned on a desert island with a another human being. Its too scary, because your feeling towards the other person might change. What if you don't like that person, what options do you have? You either have to kill that person or yourself . (Laughs)

What CD would you bring to along with you (to the island)?

Quarteto Jobim Morelenbaum (A latin jazz ensemble).

What about DVDs?

The Graduate, Harold and Maude and King of Hearts (1966).

What food would you be missing?

Nasi lemak of course!

What books would you bring along?

I definitely want the Quran with me, and the complete works of William Shakespear.

Moving away from the desert island, what are your hobbies?

I watch lots of movies, I can watch three movies in a day, and I listen to music, and of course I do a lot of reading. And I don't watch television.

Describe your first car

A bright purple Austin Mini 850. I bought it second hand for RM3500 when I graduated and started work.

What would be your ideal holiday?

By the sea, or in the mountains, where I do nothing but eat, read and get a massage.

Name a book not to be missed

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

Recommend a place to dine

Alexis Bistro. Jalan Telawi Tiga, Bangsar.

Most used word or phrase

(Hesitates) Oh cannot... four letters... (Bursts out laughing)

What qualities do you like most in a man

Being considerate of others.

What qualities do you like most in a woman

Being considerate of others.

Person whom you most admire

Nelson Mandela is my favourite. He is the only man I will marry. Unfortunately he is married.

What do you see in Nelson Mandela?

I think he is a man of integrity, compassion, thinking beyond himself. A politician who would actually think of national interest. He could have easily stayed on in power, but he said very clear that he would only stay for one term.

He has an incredible sense of people. During that time I was working with the Commonwealth Secretary, and we had to pick him up from a crowded press conference and everybody was trying to get his attention. I just stood back, but looked on admiringly. And he sensed I was looking at him, and he made his way through the crowd to shake my hand and asked how I was and where I am from. That to me is a wonderful gesture.

What is your idea of perfect happiness

Good food, good music, good book, good friends, good family and good love.

What would you consider to be the most overrated virtue

Patience. We can't bring change by being patient.

On what occasions do you lie?

When saying no to someone I love hurts the person.

What would be your greatest regret?

I would regret it if I do not live life to the fullest and reached my full potential. We only got one life to live.

When and where are you most happiest?

Being surrounded by people I love and people who love me.

What talent would you most like to have?

To sing.

What do you see yourself doing, if you are not involved in activism?

I think I would like to be in the performing arts as a playwright.

What would be your most treasured possession?

Everything around me is precious.

What would you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

To be unhappy.