The involvement of youth as writers and literature enthusiasts are essential to strengthen and elevate Malay literature in the Sultanate, said Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Acting Deputy Director Pengiran Hajah Rosenani binti Pengiran Haji Halus. She was speaking on behalf of DBP Acting Director Hajah Haireni binti Haji Awang Damit at the 45th general meeting of the Brunei Darussalam Association of Writers (Asterawani) yesterday.
She added, “DBP is always ready to publish suitable works and support Asterawani in nurturing and honing the talents of young writers.”
She emphasised the important role Asterawani plays in spearheading activities and projects, “The participation of students and teachers from higher learning institutions is highly anticipated to facilitate Asterawani in finding successors.”
Head I of Asterawani Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah, in a welcoming speech, shared that the general meeting’s main purpose was to appoint executive and working committees and plan strategies to promote Malay literature, language and culture, both at national and international levels.
The event followed with the launch of an anthology of poems titled ‘Peduli Palestin’, which included poems written by Asterawani members to raise funds for Palestine.
In the second session, the general meeting began with an address by Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim, followed by the confirmation of the report and the approval of the meeting’s minutes. The agenda proceeded with the dissolution of the 2020-2022 session committee members and the appointment of members for the 2024-2026 session.
Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim also discussed additional committee structures including chairpersons of the publication and documentation, religious, training and seminar, visitation committee and the national events committee. – Rokiah Mahmud
