Poetry A Bridge For Unity Across Races, Says Deputy Unity Minister

By Mohamad Harith Mohamad Nizar

IPOH, Sept 21 Bernama) — Poetry can serve as a bridge to strengthen bonds among Malaysians of different races, ethnicities and religions, while also acting as a medium to share ideas and reflections, Deputy Minister of National Unity K. Saraswathy said. 

She said poetry allows society to express unity and harmony through language that inspires solidarity, especially among the younger generation.

“Through poetry recitations, we can revisit history and highlight facts to the youth so they understand the struggles of our ancestors, which in turn fosters a sense of nationhood.

“If we are able to instil patriotism in every citizen, especially the younger generation, it will further reinforce unity among all,” she told Bernama after officiating the National-Level Malaysia Day Artistic Poetry Recital Competition here last night.

On the programme, Saraswathy said the competition marked a refreshing reform in poetry recital that could attract more participation from the public, particularly the youth.

Saraswathy stressed that concrete efforts to spark youth interest in poetry must be studied and implemented seriously.

“With exposure to poetry, we hope the younger generation will develop a love for our literary heritage. As the saying goes, ‘tak kenal maka tak cinta’ (to know is to love),” she said.

She said the National Unity Ministry welcomed and was ready to collaborate in organising more literary and cultural programmes, as such initiatives nurture positive values, patriotism and appreciation of the nation’s heritage.

SDPAHM 2025 was organised by the National Poets Association of Malaysia (PEMUISI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the Ipoh Teacher Education Institute (IPG).

At the event, Nor Atiekah Hidayah Hussain from Terengganu won the Platinum Award, taking home the Seri PEMUISI Challenge Trophy, a trophy, RM2,000 cash, books and a certificate.

Akilul Nazar Arbain of Johor received the Gold Award with a trophy, RM1,500 cash, books and a certificate, while Abdul Rasmin Sagal Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan secured the Silver Award, winning a replica trophy, RM1,000 cash, books and a certificate.

— BERNAMA

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