Pangkor: Island of Books
PANGKOR
PANGKOR Island should be made an “Island of Books” for literature works of participants of the Pangkor International Poems and Folk Songs Festival (Pulara).
Malay arts and heritage researcher Professor Dr Siti Zainon Ismail said the move would enable the books, or other types of documentation produced by literary experts to be used as reference by the public.
“This could be done by requesting all writers and activists who join the festival to contribute at least two of their books to the centre.
“The materials can be used as reference for art enthusiasts as well as encourage young writers to produce their own works.
“It is time we ask participants leave their mark here through their books, apart from enjoying the scenic environment while on the island.
“It is good if we can establish a knowledge centre here that could benefit our next generation,” she said at the Malay Language and Literature Transcends Time Conference in conjunction with the festival held here.
Siti Zainon said the establishment of the “Island of Books” would also help close the gap between the society, especially youth and the literature writers. She said the writers were also welcome to the island to enliven events held here.
“This will also allow the island people to learn more about them. In the Western world, just mention
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Participants of the Pangkor International Poems and Folk Songs Festival (Pulara) at Kejora Garden Resort in Pangkor yesterday. William Shakespeare and chances are people know about the English poet. However, when it comes to our very own poet and writer, the late Datuk Usman Awang, some Malaysians may not even know him.
“This could change with the setting up of the Island of Books,” she said.
On a separate matter, Siti Zainon suggested that Dewan Bahasa Dan
Pustaka (DBP) play a more active role in ensuring the proper use of Bahasa Malaysia among citizens.
“DBP should be able to correct those found to use words inappropriately and discourage the use of ‘bahasa pasar’ or broken Malay,” she said.
Citing the example of ‘kenderaan saji’ (food truck), she said the term long existed before it became a
trend in Malaysia.
“The word was already documented and should not be disrespected. During our time, when there was improper language usage or misspelled words, they would be taken down. Now, it is the role of DBP officers to voice out and correct what is wrong,” she said.
Pulara 2017, which was held for
the eighth time, is aimed at providing better understanding of Malay literature, as well as a platform for participants, which include poets and writers, both locals and foreigners, to share knowledge and experience. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir is expected to launch the festival’s closing ceremony tonight.