His Majesty Surprises Language And Literature Bureau

Bandar Seri Begawan – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, made an unscheduled visit to the Language and Literature Bureau in Berakas, arriving at the department at about 9.30am yesterday.

Among the sections that came under His Majesty's scrutiny was the Literature Propagation and Development Section.

This section undertakes literary activities such as talks, competitions and seminars.

It also publishes the 'Pangsura' journal and is responsible for undertaking East Asia Literature Council or MASTERA projects.

The Language and Literature Bureau promotes and enriches the usage of the Malay language and literature through creative writings and dialogues between regional and international communities.

Memberships of Brunei in MASTERA and MABBIM or the Language Council of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia enable the country to share knowledge in the fields of language and literature.

At the Book Planning Section, His Majesty was briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the section. It is responsible for manuscript evaluation and review, prior to approval for publication.

The Language and Literature Bureau published 41 books last year.

The highest number of books published in a single year was 90, in 1997.

His Majesty was accompanied during the visit by Pehin Dato Dr Haji Awang Hussain, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and several senior government officials.

The bureau’s bookshop was also visited by His Majesty.

Last year, the bookshop collected more than $300,000 from book sales.

During the school holidays, parents and school children frequent the bookshop.

Students in higher learning institutions also make use of the bookshop, as a number of academic textbooks are sold here.

Here, His Majesty showed his concern on the quality of the book covers produced by the bureau.

The Language and Literature Bureau's bookstore houses books that are published for commercial purposes.

Within a four year period, books in Malay language have increased in sales by 24,489 editions and in English language by 12,622 editions.

His Majesty also took a closer look at the bureau's Transport Section.

This section handles the mobile library service.

The mobile library visits almost 100 schools throughout the country and is extremely popular and well-received especially among students.

The roles of the Language and Literature Bureau also include developing and promoting the Malay language, achieving consistency in the Malay spelling and pronunciation as well as encouraging individuals to learn the language.

His Majesty's visit underscored his care and concern towards ensuring the development of a government department.

The Language and Literature Bureau is under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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