A nation that honours its writers honours knowledge – Fadhlina

PETALING JAYA – A nation that appreciates its literary figures is one that places knowledge in high regard in shaping the thinking of future generations, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

In a Facebook post today, Fadhlina said recognising literary figures was not merely about remembering their contributions, but ensuring that the works and ideas they left behind continue to live on across the ages.

"A nation that appreciates its writers is a nation that appreciates knowledge.

"A writer may pass on, but his thinking can live far beyond his time," she said. (Translated from Malay.)

She was commenting on the 16th National Laureate Award ceremony held yesterday, which was graced by the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Raja Zarith Sofiah.

At the ceremony, Her Majesty conferred the 16th National Laureate Award on the late Dr Abdul Rahman Napiah, better known by his pen name Mana Sikana.

According to Fadhlina, Mana Sikana devoted his life to writing, thought and knowledge through works that remain part of the nation's literary treasury.

She said works such as Syajar, Nusia, Tanah di Hujung Bendang, Di Hujung Taming Sari and Pasir-pasir di Pasir Salak continue to endure and enrich the Malay language.

"His works not only enrich the treasury of the Malay language, but challenge the way we think and serve as a reference for generations of students, researchers and lovers of literature.

"That is why recognition such as the National Laureate Award is not merely about remembering a figure's service. It reminds us that the works and knowledge left behind today can shape the thinking of future generations," she said.

Fadhlina also hoped the late writer's legacy would continue to spur young people's love for reading, writing and literature.

"The body has its end, but the knowledge left behind can live across generations. Al-Fatihah for the late Mana Sikana," she said.