Unity through literature

WE live in a multi-racial country. When the nation gained independence in 1957, concepts like national culture and national literature did not exist.

After the race riots on May 13, 1969, our government realised the importance of uniting the people through various efforts.

In 1970, the Rukun Negara which contained five principles aimed at uniting Malaysians, was introduced. National economic policies that aimed to narrow the gap among the races were also implemented.

The National Culture Conference in 1971 paved the way for the introduction of the National Culture Policy, which was based on Malay culture.

National identity like a national language, flower, animal and literature are important for a country to present to the world.

All literary works written in Bahasa Malaysia are considered national literature. Those written in other languages are considered national literature only after being translated into Bahasa Malaysia.

Since the introduction of the National Culture Policy in 1971, national literature has been dominated by Malays. Only a handful of authors from other races wrote or write in Bahasa Malaysia.

Besides Bahasa Malaysia, other languages like Chinese, Tamil and English are also rich in literature. Literary works in these languages are an important part of Malaysian literature and should be given due recognition.

Tamil literature in Malaysia, for example, is 150 years old and the literary works of countless writers, poets, and novelists in this language depict the true picture of Malaysian lives.

Sadly, many of these literary figures have passed away without getting any recognition from the government for their work.

We can’t expect Tamil writers to translate their writings into Bahasa Malaysia just to be accepted as national literature.

Worldwide, countries are recognising multiracial literature. Singapore, for example, recognises four languages. Once in two years, prizes are awarded to the best books published in Malay, English, Chinese or Tamil.

India is another example. Every year since 1954, the Sahitya Akademi Award has been given to the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the 24 major Indian languages.

The National Unity Ministry should consider all the possible ways to use literature to unite Malaysians.

The written word is a powerful weapon against racism, violence, hate and corruption, among others. It is also the best way to instil noble values among Malaysians, such as caring for one another and patriotism.

I urge the Prime Minister to implement the true spirit of the Malaysian Family by accepting all Malaysian literature as part of our national identity.