Izah Azahari
Bruneian poets and writers are called on to elevate literature as a tool in developing ideas and innovation in the understanding of the complexity of national development. “Make literary writing an avenue to continue the discourse of civilisation and keep literature as a vehicle to spread patriotism,” said the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
He said this during the Merdeka Poetry Declamation Competition held in conjunction with the 37th National Day celebration at the Sarmayuda Hall of the Language and Literauture Bureau (DBP).
The minister said such competition is important in promoting nationalism while patriotic poems can inspire the younger generation to reflect on their contribution to the country.
“The spirit of patriotism recorded in poetry portrays the struggle of the nation both in the past and now. The voices of the poets will be history and also be guides for the future generation,” said the minister.
Riduwan bin Johari won Category A (Men) by reciting Kermedekaan by K Manis, Mohammad Khairol Nazwan bin Haji Karim was in second place with Narasi Negeriku by A Hashim Hamid and Haji Osman bin Haji Damit was in third place with Tanah Air by Badaruddin HO.
Rozina binti Haji Salim won Category B (Women) with Narasi Negeriku by A Hashim Hamid, Lenna Norsusilanita binti Bahari was first runner-up with Anak Jati Medeka by HJR and Hajah Armah binti Haji Bair was second runner-up with Merdeka Simfonia by Yahya MS.
Prizes were also presented to winners of a short story writing competition and DBP Bahana Critical Writing Competition 2019.
Hajah Nur Hamizah binti Haji Samihon won the short story writing competition with Sepasang Sayap di Mandian Puteri. Awangku Mohd Noor Sham @ Awangku Hide bin Pengiran Hidup was in second place with Paradok and Suryani binti Haji Ariffin was in third place with Wajah Luka Aiman.
Syahwal Nizam bin Haji Yani won the critical writing competition with Teori Sastera Autobiografi: Puisi Autobiografi Yahya MS Dalam Musim-Musim Perjalanan. Siti Nadhrah binti Norzelan was first runner-up with Dhia Sarafana Dalam Novel Manis Karya Nur Hamizah Samihon: Suatu Analisis Teori Psikologi Sastera and Awangku Mohd Noor Sham @ Awangku Hide was second runner-up with Naratif Dakwah dalam cerpen ‘Menuju Akhirat’.