Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Language and Literature Agency (Bahasa), in collaboration with the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), organised a Thought Seminar featuring two famous writers and literary figures, Juri Durabi and Siti Rahmah G. Ibrahim, here, Saturday, to ensure the literature field in the state continues to grow.
The one-day seminar, held in conjunction with the 2024 Sabah International Essay, Literature, Art, and Poetry Festival, was also attended by writers from home and abroad, particularly from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore.
The programme, held at the DBP Sabah Branch, was officiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister (Islamic Affairs), Datuk Ruslan Muharam.
Also present were Bahasa President and Member of the Board of Directors of DBP Malaysia, Datuk Jasni Matlani; Director General of the Malaysian Language and Literature Council (DBP) Dr. Hazami Jahari; Sabah DBP Deputy Director Jenitah Nordin and Nusa Centre’s Chief Executive Officer Syed Mohamad Zakir.
Ruslan welcomed the efforts of both parties, recognising their potential to produce more literary figures and writers, especially from this region, following the achievements of Juri Durabi and Siti Rahmah G. Ibrahim.
He noted that these two writers have always been idols for many young writers in Sabah, making it fitting for their contributions to the world of literature to become the topic of discussion in the programme.
“Some of the works produced by these two figures have also become literary texts and Malay language subjects in secondary schools.
This is very positive, as their thoughts are not only enjoyed and studied by the general public but also by school students at the secondary level and, later, at our universities.
“Therefore, I welcome the efforts of Bahasa and DBP.
This seminar can have a positive impact on the development of literature and writing in Sabah and, at the same time, produce more potential writers, especially among young and new writers,” he said.
