KUCHING: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) hopes the ‘Wacana Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia’ (HSPM) event will serve as a catalyst for the emergence of more talented Sarawakian writers capable of earning national and regional literary recognition.
DBP Language and Literature Development Department’s Director, Abang Haliman Abang Julai, said that many Sarawakian writers have already made their mark at both the national and international levels, proving the State’s ability to produce high-calibre literary talents.
“In this context, we are confident and believe that Insya-Allah, more Sarawakian writers will go on to achieve recognition, such as the Southeast Asian Writers Award (S.E.A. Write).
“And if we continue to focus on the works of Sarawakian writers, Insya-Allah, we will also have our own candidates in the future for the National Literary Award (Anugerah Sastera Negara),” he said.
He said this when officiating the ‘Wacana Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia’ event at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak here today.
He also revealed that DBP, through its Promotion and Recognition Division, is currently working to have Malaysia once again nominate a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature next year, after the effort was previously put on hold.
“We have nominated Malaysia’s representative before, but the effort was discontinued midway. God-willing, next year DBP will nominate a local writer once again to be considered for the Nobel Prize,” he added.
As such, Abang Haliman said the strength of Sarawakian writers lies in their ability to highlight local wisdom, but they are also encouraged to broaden their ideas and perspectives to reach an international audience.
“Sarawak is unique in its culture, language, and way of life.
“However, it must be remembered that to become sustainable writers who can be recognised at higher levels – such as the S.E.A. Write Award or the National Literary Award – their work must go beyond the local context.
“The strength of a work does not only lie in its local setting but also in its ideas and intellectual depth. That is why local writers, especially in Sarawak, should not rely solely on local wisdom as the main strength of their writings,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak Government, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for its continued support in strengthening the Malay language and literature.
He said this support includes increasing the cash prizes for the Premier of Sarawak Best Book Award – from RM8,000 to RM15,000 for DBP publications, and from RM5,000 to RM8,000 for non-DBP publications.
“This move demonstrates the state government’s commitment to valuing writers and encouraging the production of higher-quality works,” he said.
For the record, the S.E.A. Write Award was introduced in 1979 in Bangkok, Thailand, to recognise the achievements of writers from ASEAN countries across various literary genres such as poetry, short stories, novels, and dramas.
Each year, one writer from every ASEAN nation is selected as a recipient of this prestigious award in recognition of their contributions to the development of regional literature.
