BY SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA AND NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Sarawak’s vibrant literary scene took centre stage at the inaugural Sarawak Premier’s Best Book Award ceremony to honour writers who have made significant contributions to local literature and cultural heritage.
The event, supported by the Sarawak Government, was organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) through its Sarawak branch at Waterfront Hotel last night (May 23).
Among the distinguished guests present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya; and member of the Board of Governors of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, and other distinguished guests.
Delivering the keynote speech on behalf of DBP Director-General Dr Hazami Jahar, Abang Haliman Abang Julai, Director of the Department of Language and Literature Development, said that many Sarawakian writers have successfully gained national and international recognition.
“Many writers from Sarawak have already made a name for themselves at national and international levels, and Sarawak has conferred the title of Sasterawan Sarawak (Sarawak Literary Laureate) on six individuals.
“Among those actively producing outstanding literary works are Datuk Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah, Jong Chian Lai, Zainal Abidin Haji Suhaili (Abizai), and Abang Patdeli Abang Muhi.
“We are also proud of emerging writers such as Jaya Ramba, Roslan Jomel, Lokman Hakim, Tey Marzuki, Clarissa Kesulai, Stephenie Kaso, Frankie Latit and Clayton Robert who are increasingly recognised at the national level,” he said.
The Sarawak Premier’s Best Book Award is the first of its kind in the state, designed to honour writers who produce general books that reflect the identity and local wisdom of Sarawak’s multicultural society.
The award recognises literary works written in Malay that explore the state’s unique culture, language, beliefs, flora and fauna, and their role in strengthening the national language.
Divided into two categories, DBP publications and external publications, the award was open for nominations beginning February 2024 and considered books published in 2022 and 2023.
A panel of three judges evaluated entries based on their portrayal of Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage and the preservation of local knowledge.
“These works ensure that the wisdom of our local communities is not lost to time but is studied, understood, and applied in broader contexts,” said Abang Haliman.
He also acknowledged the Sarawak Government’s strong support in elevating the literary and publishing scene through its Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Thanks to state funding, DBP Sarawak published 13 special edition books highlighting Sarawak’s culture, history, and heritage.
In addition to award recognition, DBP continues its efforts to preserve endangered native languages and promote bilingual publishing, including reprints of works by the former Borneo Literature Bureau in both indigenous and national languages.
“Books are vital in instilling noble values, expanding knowledge, and shaping an informed society.
“DBP will continue to publish high-quality works to cater to readers from all walks of life,” he said, aligning with the National Reading Decade movement that aims to make Malaysia a reading nation by 2030.
At the end of the ceremony, the Premier presented awards to the main winners.
In the DBP publication category, the book “Empurau: Ikan Eksotik Sarawak”, a collaborative work by Emilyn Badut, Mohd Saiful Maifin, and Siti Hawa Mohamad Ali, won the top prize of RM8,000 in cash, a certificate of recognition, and a companion book published by DBP.
Meanwhile, in the external publication category, “Negeri Santubong: Sejarah Awal Sarawak 300 ESS-1647 ES”, authored by Datuk Dr Sanib Said, who took home RM5,000 in cash along with a certificate of recognition and a DBP companion book.
