Poets, writers express love for country

KUALA LUMPUR: Poets and writers gathered at the New Straits Times Press, Balai Berita here yesterday at a poetry recital programme to share their love for the country.

Dubbed the “Malam Puisi Riong: Karya Negaraku”, it was the third series organised by Berita Harian in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Department this year to boost patriotism.

Among those who took centrestage was Deputy Education Minister II Senator Datuk Chong Sin Woon, who captivated the audience when he recited a poem titled Negeri Ini, Anak.

Another highlight was Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry deputy secretary-general Associate Professor Dr Ramzah Dambul delivering his rendition of a poem titled 1,000 Bunga Diterbangkan Angin.

The programme, which lasted 2½ hours, began with a singing performance by students from Universiti Putra Malaysia and Les Propella group from the National Academy of Culture Arts and Heritage.

Others who gave a recital were Berita Harian associate editor (News and Digital Media) M. Thilinadan and National Writer and Poet Datuk Dr Zurinah Hassan.

Present were BH group editor Datuk Mahfar Ali, executive editor (news, feature, and digital) Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, and associate editor (current affairs) Kadir Dikoh.

The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on April 19 in conjunction with this year’s 60th National Day celebration.