Forum on literature in development of Islamic community & humanity
By Rosli Abidin Yahya 

The role of literature in the development of Islamic community and humanity will be fully examined at the 6th Bahana Forum on May 10 at the Brunei Book Fair (open area), International Convention Centre in Berakas from 8.30 pm onwards. Through literature, the reader is carried beyond the confines of the narrow world into a world of profound thought and feeling.

Reading literary materials is considered an exercise of the sympathetic imagination where literature tends to draw all people together instead of setting them apart from one another.

"Research has shown that readers of literary works tend to be more understanding of other people's conflicts, possess more sympathy, able to empathise more with them as human beings than those who have not read literature," some observers have said.

Literary writers - both critics and lovers- as well as interested public members are most welcomed to attend the forum this May 10.

The 6th Bahana forum will be chaired by Hj Mohd Yusoff bin Hj Murni of Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP) Brunei.

The panels shall comprise of Hj Zailani Hj Abd Ghafar of Core Curriculum Department, Ministry of Education, Mohamad Rajap, the Deputy Principal of Anthony Abell College, Seria and Haji Osman bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohamad Tamin, Language Officer of DBP.

The director of DBP, Hj Abdul Hakim bin Hj Mohd Yassin is expected to deliver an opening address at the event.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin