Interlok issue should not dampen efforts to produce quality work, says Rais
CREATIVE MIND: Rais typing on the typewriter as a symbolic launching of the seminar. Also seen are (from left) the ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Ab Ghaffar A Tambi, Goh, Termuzi and Dr Mohamed Najib. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has called on writers to continue producing quality literary works notwithstanding the incidents involving the novel Interlok.
“What happened (to Interlok) is outside the writer’s control. So I want to tell writers not to be afraid although the novel Interlok has been ‘locked’ in such way. Keep on writing and expressing your sharp thoughts,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after opening a seminar on literature as a platform for national integration at National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy, Rais said what happened to Interlok would not necessarily mean similar incidents would recur in the future.
“It doesn’t mean that things will always be like that. What I hope to see is that in the future, when a book has already been accepted as the country’s literary book, it is no longer proper for us to alter it.
“I’m saying this to safeguard the dignity of our literature,” he said.
The novel, by National Laureate Datuk Abdullah Hussain, runs into controversy after it was made a textbook in the literature component of the Bahasa Malaysia subject for Form Five in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, due to the use of certain words deemed offensive to the Indian community.
The government has agreed to amend the parts deemed sensitive in the novel.
Rais also stressed on the importance of giving writers the freedom to work on their craft.
“This is an approach which I should give a clear interpretation. I’m from those who support freedom for writers to express their thoughts,” he said.
Rais also spoke of the role of the Malay language in uniting the people, and hailed the seminar today as a prelude to the publication of more literary works, including by non-Malay writers.
He added that the ministry would collaborate with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and Aswara in upholding the Malay language in uniting the various races in line with the 1Malaysia concept.
At the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Aswara Rector Datuk Dr Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa, DBP director-general Datuk Termuzi Abdul Aziz and Perspektif president Goh Hin San to provide guidance to writers in producing quality works. — Bernama