Gapena to empower language, culture through international relations

KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of National Writers Associations of Malaysia (Gapena) would continue to empower language and culture through international relations with culture and literature-related nongovernmental organisations in Southeast Asia.

Gapena chief I Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan said in order to achieve this goal, several regional dialogues involving ASEAN countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei and Singapore have been held.

He cited the Borneo-Kalimantan dialogue, Southern dialogue and Northern and Southern dialogues with the countries involved.

"Gapena is also willing to cooperate with the government in making the Malay language as the ASEAN language," he said at the 14th Borneo Kalimantan Regional Dialogue here yesterday.

The dialogue was officiated by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka board chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Hatta Shahrom.

Meanwhile, Zainal Abidin said cultural cohesion could be created through consensus and unity of authors and culturalists from the Malay archipelago.

He said Gapena had become the secretariat in promoting international relations, especially in uplifting the Malay language and forging cooperation with Malays in Southeast Asia and the world.

More than 150 participants from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and the Province of Kalimantan participated in the three-day dialogue from Aug 2-4.

Also present were Sabah Language and Literature president Datuk Jasni Matlani; Brunei Darussalam Asterawani chief I, Assoc Prof Dr Ampuan Ibrahim Ampuan Tengah; Indonesian Consul (Implementation of Social and Culture Functions) Cahyono Rustam; and Province of Kalimantan representative, Prof Dr Ibrahim Sharif Al Kadri.

An anthology book of poems and short stories entitled ‘Anak Nusantara' featuring 53 authors from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei was also launched. Bernama