Young participants in the 40th Independence Poetry Recitation Competition show that poetry recitation continues to thrive in the digital era, says PENA
KUALA LUMPUR: The involvement of young participants in the 40th Independence Poetry Recitation Competition for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya demonstrates that poetry recitation continues to thrive even in an increasingly digital era, said the National Writers Association of Malaysia (PENA).
Its president Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad said the event promotes patriotism through artistic expression while highlighting the role of literature in shaping the nation.
“Every year, National Day should provide an opportunity to renew the spirit of patriotism through artistic expression. That is the competition’s core purpose as new generations continue to emerge.
“They should not be excluded from understanding that literature has a vital role to play in nation-building and in nurturing patriotic and nationalistic citizens,” he said in a statement today after the competition’s opening ceremony here.
Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Central Region director Nurul Julia Alani Henry said independence should be celebrated not only through history, but also by keeping it alive through language and culture.
“The spirit of independence will endure as long as the Malay language remains respected, while Malay heritage reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural values and national identity.
“Today, language and literature remain important pillars in preserving the continuity of a nation’s civilisation,” she said.
Also present was Haslina Usman, the daughter of the late National Laureate Usman Awang, who presented the Usman Awang Challenge Trophy to the 40th SDPK champion.
PENA organised both competitions in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya in collaboration with DBP and the Federation of National Writers’ Associations of Malaysia (Gapena).
