Translation Key To Promoting Local Writers To World
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - A group of literary figures recently met the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Dato Major General (Rtd) Hj Awang Mohammad, and a senior government officer, Dato Paduka Hj Mahmud bin Hj Bakyr, to express their concern over the future of the literature scenario in Brunei Darussalam.

They proposed for major works of local literary writers to be translated so that their books could be promoted globally.

"Translation (of local writings) is very important, as this would ensure that our writers are introduced to the world," they said, adding that the ultimate goal is to see a local writer receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature in 10 to 20 years' time.

They also hoped that the annual literary award would be extended to include quality contributions published in other publications such as Media Permata and Pelita Brunei aside from the monthly magazine `BAHANA', which is published by the Language and Literature Bureau (Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka Brunei).

The development of literature activity centres in all districts is vital in ensuring that literature is promoted to the masses, they added.

Meanwhile, they were concerned that only a few local literary figures have been representing the country at international literature events.

"We are worried that when it is our turn to host such an event, we will see only a few literary figures from other countries attending, as they may think that we did not fully support their activities," they said.

Among those who met the minister were Dato Paduka Hj Muslim, Penghulu Hj Ahmad Hussain, Hj Abd Rahman Yusof, Hj Moksin Kadir, Hj Abd Hakim Hj Mohd Yassin and Hj Yahya Gafar. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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