KUCHING: The ‘Wacana Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia (HSPM)’ event serves as a cornerstone in sustaining Malaysia’s literary excellence and in honouring writers whose works enrich Malaysia’s national literature.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch’s Director, Dr Azizul Ismail, said the discourse provides an important platform for award recipients to share the creative processes and ideologies behind their masterpieces that have earned the nation’s highest literary recognition.
He said the programme not only acknowledges local writers but also strengthens the culture of knowledge and intellectualism while fostering the growth of literature and language in the State.
“We aim to understand how these writers transform their ideas into works that embody literary, intellectual, and deep human values.
“This discourse also provides an avenue for the HSPM Evaluation Panel to share the criteria, standards, and challenges involved in assessing literary works, each with its unique strengths.
“Such sharing is vital to educate both established and emerging writers about the expectations and standards of literary excellence at the highest level,” he said.
He said this in his welcoming speech during the ‘Wacana HSPM’ event officiated by DBP Language and Literature Development Department’s Director, Abang Haliman Abang Julai, at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak here today.
Azizul expressed hope that the insights shared through the discourse would enhance the discipline and quality of writing among Sarawakian writers and pave the way for more of them to earn HSPM recognition in the coming years.
For the record, the discourse also featured a sharing session by HSPM evaluation panel members, who discussed the standards and challenges involved in assessing literary works.
Held as a continuation of the ‘Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia’ awards event on July 10, the discourse aims to deepen understanding of the creative and intellectual values behind award-winning works.
“First introduced in 1971, the HSPM remains the country’s highest and most prestigious literary recognition, serving as a benchmark for excellence and the aspiration of every Malaysian writer,” he said.
Additionally, he also congratulated Sarawakian writers who received HSPM recognition this year, including literary figures, Jong Chian Lai and Zainal Abidin Suhaili, as well as six others, namely Jais Sahok, Abang Median Abang Said, Lokman Hakim, Aidil Fahmi Mohamad, Nur Azshielda Sahran, and Clariessa Kesulai.
