Writers Raise Issues On Improving Local Literature
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - The newly appointed Acting Director of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Brunei Dr Mataim Bakar recently mentioned that he will do his best to bring up various issues and recommendations raised by creative writers to the relevant authorities to improve local literature and contributions.

This was stated during an informal gathering on Saturday at the Balai Sarmayuda, DBP Berakas, which was attended by various literary writers.

He also said that such an assembly and brainstorming did not benefit any party in the past and because of that changes should be made.

During the event, various issues and recommendations to improve local writings were raised by the writers.

The Sultanate's top novelist Muslim Burmat said that the standard of local literature would continue to be static unless issues and recommendations are brought up by literary writers and were thought about and prioritised.

"We have done our best to contribute to local literature and now it needs a political will to bring our local publications on par with those of regional writers.

"Therefore we need help for our writings to be translated to other world languages so they could be valued by critics worldwide," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Hj Morsidi Hj Mohammad, Head of Malay Literature Department, Faculty of Arts and Social Science of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, suggested for the formation of a National Translation Council (NTC) to translate local works.

Hj Zainal Ariffin Hj Sirat, DBP acting Head of Publication, said, in relation to NTC, the agency has already formed a Translation Unit within his section where it will begin translating the works of local SEA Write Award recipients soon.

Aminah Hj Momin, a Senior Language Officer, said a major step has been taken by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan). In its effort to promote the nation towards global recognition in Islamic literature it will be judging the Islamic publications of local writers.

A project to commemorate its 12th anniversary. She said the best creative publications, from 2002 to 2007, will be awarded the first Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Creative Literature Award.

The winning writer will also receive $15,000 cash prize at a special ceremony which will be held on October 5, 2007.

"The aim behind the award is to spur local Muslim writers to remain consistent and productive in Islamic literature genre which would enhance the Sultanate's chance to be recognised as the world's Islamic literature centre," she said.

Meanwhile, a local writer, Hjh Norsiah HJ Abd Ghafar, also called for the agency to improve its Internet connection so writers can utilise paperless environment by sending their works directly to DBP website.

"We would be grateful if we can be notified via email about our contributions either having been accepted or rejected. The date of publication of works should also be informed so we can make necessary planning," she said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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