LITERACY WRITERS HAVE DUTY TO PROMOTE NOBLE VALUES, SAYS DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Literary writers need to shoulder the
trust of promoting noble values which serve as the pillar and source of strength
for society since centuries ago, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said noble values such as courtesy, morality, honesty, sense of
responsibility and strong family ties portrayed in high-quality literary works
would help shape the thinking, values and way of life to create a balanced,
progressive society.

Muhyiddin said a progressive society needed to have esteem and spiritual
resilience as its source of strength in facing various difficult challenges in
this revolutionary information era that had brought change to people's way of
thinking, values, culture and the post-industrialisation social landscape.

"It is useless if are able to create a society that is advance materially
while our soul, feelings and dreams are hollow, and we lack human values and
love for each other and the environment," he said at the presentation of the
Malaysia Premier Literary Award to the recipients, here, tonight.

He said in the current era of globalisation, the country had to face the
reality that values and traditions were getting less significant in defining
one's identity and generating spiritual strength.

Muhyiddin said literary writers also had a role in building the Malaysian
nation through strengthening of national literature that gave importance to
unity, understanding and solidarity of this plural society while celebrating
diversity as a source of strength for harmonious living.

"With the commitment and concerted effort of the literary fraternity in
promoting noble values through their works, I believe our national literature
will become an important vehicle for building a united and developed nation."

The deputy prime minister hoped that such a recognition would enhance the
capability of the writers and give a positive impact on the book publishing
industry and reading habit in the country.

"I propose that quality literary works be given prority in selecting
literature textbooks for schools or the higher learning institutions.

"Only high-quality literary works can challenge the minds and sharpen the
intellect and creativity of our young generation," he said.

Muhyiddin said nationally-recognised literary works should also be promoted
at the regional and international level for global recognition.

The Malaysia Premier Literary Award, which was introduced in 1971, this time
was given for works published in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The works are in the form of books, and short stories and poetry which
appeared in the newspapers, journals and books, as well as works that had been
developed into drama scripts.
-- BERNAMA
ZUZ ZUZ MO