Write more transformative books, local authors urged
KUCHING: Local authors are challenged to pen transformative books for their readers.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said through reading, the minds of readers are triggered to analyse and be inspired to challenge themselves.
Citing a book authored by Don Tapscott on the digital economy, he said the book explained the impact of technology on the economy of a nation and state.
“These are among the reasons I am pushing for more ICT development in Sarawak,” said Abang Johari during the Sarawak’s Authors Festival gala night held at Sarawak State Library (Pustaka) on Friday.
With the growth of the digital and technological environment in Sarawak, everybody will be given a level playing field to move forward, he said.
“Technology is colour-blind. It does not look at a person’s race, religion or background. The success of a person will be based on their own creativity, command of technology and knowledge,” said Abang Johari.
The Sarawak’s Authors Festival held from May 18 to 20 should be used by authors and writers to dwell on ideas on how technology is shaping our society.
It’s a common thing now he said to see a whole family engrossed in their smartphones even during dinner.
A book he added can be written on this topic to act as an eyeopener to family members on their actions which are eroding the traditional family bond.
“When topics such as this is written from a local aspect, the book might catch the attention of movie makers to turn it into a movie,” said Abang Johari who also witnessed the launch of 21 books by local authors.
He also graced the launch of the e-TerbitS system which will shorten the period for the issuing of the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) online via the National Library of Malaysia.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Pustaka board of management member Dr Abdul Rahman Deen who represented board chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo.
The objective of the festival he said is to encourage creativity and quality publications in the state.
“This festival also acts as a platform to sustain literary heritage and provide access to local authors and publications for the global audience,” said Abdul Rahman.
Among the other objectives of the festival are to provide a programme of events which engages and inspires the interest of the community in many forms of the written word; build a public arena for the promotion and preservation of local and regional writing; create new opportunities for social and cultural interaction; promote Sarawak’s authors; and promote and encourage Sarawak authors to register in the Sarawak Authors Homepage.
To-date, 74 writers and 265 publishers are recorded in the Sarawak Authors Homepage and the library’s bibliography data.
The festival held in Pusataka involves workshops, forums and the gathering of Sarawakian authors over the course of two days.
Also present at the dinner were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, State Secretary Tan Sri Morshidi Ghani, Assistant Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development (Industries and Investment) Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and other board members.
Technology is colour-blind. It does not look at a person’s race, religion or background. The success of a person will be based on their own creativity, command of technology and knowledge. — Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister