GOVT TO PUBLISH 1MALAYSIA PICTORIAL BOOK - MINISTER

SERMBAN (Malaysia), July 10 (Bernama) -- The Information Communication and
Culture Ministry will publish the 1Malaysia pictorial book with the cooperation
of State PhotoArt Force (Angkatan Senifoto Negeri - Asfon) next year.

Its minister, Dr Rais Yatim said the book would depict the life
and images of Malaysians of various races.

The book will portray the cultures, arts, custom and development of every
state, he told reporters after presenting prizes to winners of a photography
competition in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Negeri Sembilan Asfon
here Friday.

Rais said the book, which would be published before the 54th national day
celebration next year, would contribute to the national civilisation as it would
portray the nation's achievements.

"Asfon members from Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and
Perak, five states in Peninsular Malaysia, will use their creativity to capture
the images of the people nationwide,
for the book.

"If the pictorial book is well received, we will publish it every year -
each with a different theme. We had published a pictorial book with the
cooperation of The Star in conjunction with the 50th national day anniversary
celebration," he added.

Rais said the ministry had also allocated RM20,000 to Negeri Sembilan Asfon
to publish a pictorial book on Adat Perpatih (Negeri Sembilan state's customs
and practices that gives priority to female gender) this year.

-- BERNAMA