The 8th Pertemuan Sasterawan Brunei (PSB) 2024 is a support for the mission and vision of the movement to advance the language and literature, hence the theme for this meeting ‘The MIB National Philosophy in Literature: Contributions Towards Achieving Brunei Vision 2035’ is to call for and encourage the production of literary works.
The literary collection embodies the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) of the Sultanate in achieving the goal desired in Brunei Vision 2035, “to make the country known throughout the world by the people” as an highly educated, skilled and successful population; a high quality of life for the people; and a dynamic and resilient economy.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman said this in his speech at the launch of the 8th PSB 2024 yesterday.
The minister said several developments can be noted as signs of efforts from literary and language activists in the country.
The Banana magazine’s publication of an article in 1965, which could be described as a breakthrough by highlighting the author of Syair Rakis (1840s), Pengiran Shahbandar Mohammad Salleh in Brunei as equivalent to Munshi Abdullah in Malaya as a pioneer of modern language and literature.
“We are aware and acknowledge that the impact and contribution of literary and linguistic activities, including literary works, in developing the country is not instant. However, the nature and even the essence of literature is important because it educates and awakens the audience to practice pure and positive values towards developing themselves and society in line with the progress of their country,” said the minister.
The minister added, “This is in line with the statement on the achievement towards the goals of Brunei Vision 2035 which emphasises that ‘Towards achieving this vision, we are united in: loyalty to the monarch and the nation, confidence in Islamic values and social harmony and the practice of good traditions.
“In this context, the philosophy of MIB is at first glance seen as only about Brunei, however, it is a mirror of its social, cultural and political history and therefore, it is part of the civilisation of the nation with values that are philosophised as universal.
“The term globalisation has a relationship with the increase in interconnectedness and dependence between nations and between people around the world through many factors and in the process, globalisation also has a negative impact when it is seen as dominating small and weak nations,” said the minister.
“Hence, the event chose the theme because literary works with the philosophy of MIB have the values of national civilisation that can be processed in literary works with universal themes,” added the minister. – Lyna Mohamad
