Kit Siang: Gov't, parties must support arts and literature

The government, together with political parties, has a duty to support the country's arts and literature scene, according to DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang.

Speaking at a Hari Raya dinner held to honour national laureates and other noted individuals in the arts industry, Lim also urged more Malaysians to follow suit as part of a collective nation-building effort.

"With this realisation in mind, I and my party fully support the government's recent decision to provide appropriate recognition to our national laureates.

"We also hope the government will continue to provide support and encouragement in various forms to our practitioners of arts and literature," the Iskandar Puteri MP said during the function in Sentul last night.

In making the call, Lim noted any language that exists without elements of arts and literature will lose its nuances and vibrancy, and eventually fade away.

At the same time, the DAP veteran also reiterated his party’s stand to honour Bahasa Malaysia's status under the Federal Constitution, contrary to critics who alleged that the party was attempting to undermine the national language by promoting the use of Mandarin or English.

Guests of honour at the dinner function included national laureates credited for their long list of contributions over the years.

In honour of their work, the government had on June 24 announced a RM5,000 monthly allowance for seven national laureates and future recipients of the honorary title, to be paid through a special allocation approved by the Education Ministry.

The laureates are A Samad Said, Muhammad Salleh, Noordin Hassan, Anwar Ridhwan, Ahmad Kamal Abdullah, Baha Zain and Zurinah Hassan.

Met by Malaysiakini, Zurinah (below) said the monthly allowance will not stop them from being critical of the government through their works if there is a need to do so.

"Even if we are given money or other awards, our thoughts and writings will not be compromised.

"It's the same as when we receive our National Laureate Award, that is an honour from the previous government, but it did not stop us from being critical in our writings," said the 70-year-old, also known by her pen name Haniruz.

Samad, better known as Pak Samad, meanwhile described the allowance as a symbolic recognition that could further encourage them to produce more literature.

"I did not expect it. But I'm sure if you were to ask anyone, the allowance is a reasonable recognition," said the national laureate who said he planned to use some of the money to buy more books.

"We don't usually lead comfortable lives," he noted. - Mkini