Malaysian Books Should Be Translated To Be Internationalised

From Kamarul Irwan Alias RIYADH, March 10 (Bernama) -- Books and other documentations by Malaysian academicians, professionals and religious scholars, especially in Islamic finance and syariah-based products, should be internationalised by translating it into other languages. Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia's Central Bank) syariah adviser Dr Mohd Daud Bakar said this was to enable the world to learn about Malaysian experience and knowledge in those fields, hence attracting and strengthening investors' confidence in Malaysia's capability. "Many books and university documentations have not been internationalised. Language is the prison of the world, people do not know what we have in Malaysia. "If we want to lure foreigners to come to our country, we must show them that we have what they want in their own language," he told reporters after the discussion of his books titled "Shariah Minds in Islamic Finance" and "I Have 25 Hours a Day: The Smart Way to Create More Time" at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2017 on Thursday. Mohd Daud, who is also Malaysian Business editor-in-chief, also called on more Malaysian academicians, professionals and Islamic scholars to be active in publishing their works and expressing their opinions. "Malaysians are typically shy and not brave enough to step forward, having lack of confidence and will give extraordinary respect and trust to foreigners. We need to get out and attend book discussions and writing sessions at the international level," he said. Meanwhile, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Book (ITBM) Mohd Khair Ngadiron said the institute lauded the call to internationalise local books, which has also been one of ITBM's mission and vision. He said the ITBM had always strived to overcome language barriers in the dissemination of knowledge through quality translation, so that local books could be at par with the international best sellers. Malaysia is the first ASEAN member countries ever invited as the Guest of Honour Country at the book fair on March 8-17. The Malaysian delegation, led by Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid, also include 19 publishers promoting books for children, as well as on culture, finance and Islamic-related fields. --BERNAMA