Bandar Seri Begawan - The involvement of youths was called upon yesterday as the Third Southeast Asia Literature Council (Mastera) disclosed its future plans to venture into performance or stage-oriented projects and programmes in an effort to uplift the literature culture.
In his welcoming speech at the conference closing ceremony, the Director of the Language and Literature Bureau, Dr Mataim Bakar, expressed his desire for the involvement of youths from Mastera member countries in the future establishment of these programmes, such as exchanges of literature, theatres and traditional performances like berbalas pantun (an interactive presentation of quatrain, poem and seloka).
Touching on the importance of literature, Dr Mataim pointed out that literature can act as a platform to overcome problems and revive the kind of humanity that warrants kind values.
Literature also plays a role in the development of the nation, therefore greater emphasis should be placed on the subject of literature in secondary schools and higher institutions in the country, added the director.
He said His Majesty`s late father, Al-Marhum Sultan Hj Omar `Ali Saifuddien Sa`adul Khairi Waddien was well known for using poetry during his reign - in administration, in giving advice, and even reprimands and opinions to his ministers.
From this example, literary youths or students are capable of helping in the development of the country as they possess the (spiritual) values that are important characters to possess as leaders of the country, Dr Mataim added.
He also said that Mastera is actively engaged towards improving the standing of literature.
One of the highlights of the Mastera conference was the awarding of the Mastera Award to three renown literary figures from the respective Mastera member countries: Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, who have been active in writing and contributing to the development of high quality literary works in the Southeast Asian region.
Professor Madya Dr Hj Hashim Hj Abdul Hamid from Brunei; Willibordus Surendra Bhawana Rendra from Indonesia and Malaysia`s Dato Dr Hjh Siti Hawa Hj Salleh were yesterday`s recipients of the Mastera Awards.
The three Mastera member countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding which signifies the close cooperation between the three countries in promoting and spreading Mastera literature products.
Signing on behalf of Mastera Brunei was its chairman while Dr H Dendy Sugono signed on behalf of the Indonesia Mastera. Malaysia Mastera was represented by its chairman Izzah Abdul Aziz.
Present to witness the signing was the guest of honour at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal.
Yesterday`s event also saw the launching of new books published by the Language and Literature Bureau, showcasing the work of renown Bruneian writer Roza iman Makmur, with his book entitled Bahtera: Bahan Sastera Dalam Pengajaran Bahasa.
Another hook produced by Brunei`s very own Mastera members entitled Sumur Wawasan -14 esei Mastera (edisi 1999-2003) comprising of a collection of essays was also launched.
The three-day conference was aimed at fostering close literary relationship, understanding and cooperation between the countries in an effort to develop and expand regional literature towards creating high calibre literary figures worldwide.
Also present at the ceremony were Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned, the State Mufti of Brunei Darussalam and Indonesian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Harijanto Soeprapto. By Rasidah H A B
Source: http://www.brudirect.com (September 22, 2008)