Adib Noor
The work of local poet Pengiran Haji Sabtu bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Salleh was brought into focus during the online Malay Language, Literature and Culture Congress Series (KABSBM) hosted by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) yesterday.
The talk, Puisi Patriotisme Brunei Darussalam: Satu Pembicaraan Khusus Tentang Puisi AS Isma by Dr Haji Morsidi bin Haji Muhammad reviewed Pengiran Haji Sabtu’s work under his pen name AS Isma.
The 1996 recipient of the Southeast Asian Writers Award was said to be one of the country’s important poets, whose work can be traced back to the early 1960s.
His poetry touched on the spirit of patriotism, and played a major role in encouraging the people of Brunei to be more cohesive, peaceful and prosperous. His work is full of national and cultural values teaching readers the importance of loving the nation and country.
The congress was chaired by DBP Language Officer Wathiqah Amirah binti Haji Wasli.
Some 97 participants took part in the virtual congress including DBP Acting Director Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab; DBP Acting Deputy Director Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, local and international presenters, DBP strategic partners, senior government officers, as well as local and international language, literature and culture enthusiasts.
KABSBM is supported by Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan, Brunei Youth Council, Asterawani and Putra Seni Group.
The congress will have more papers delivered on Mondays and Wednesdays until June 22.
