Read more local literature?

OPINION: Read more local literature?

As reported by Lester Kong in The Star: "Malaysian youths must be exposed to more local literature that highlight noble values like respect and responsibility", said Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in his opening speech during the 18th HSPM (Malaysia Premier Literary Award) prize-giving ceremony on the 18th of January 2010.

“Reading high-quality literature needs to be encouraged because it is the best way to inculcate the culture of knowledge and instil positive values in our youths,” the Minister of Education is reported to have said, which makes one wonder who wrote that speech? Interesting sound bites, but the cynic in one does not expect anyone to hold his (or her) breath. Haven't we heard all this before?

It was another one of those 'don't know whether to laugh or cry' moments Malaysians are becoming increasingly familiar with. Get this: this was an awards ceremony for books in Bahasa Malaysia that were published in the 2004/2005 and the 2006/2007 period! Now, how sad is that! They were giving out prizes for five-year-old publications, many of which are probably out of print by now. Was someone sleeping on the job or was it not considered important enough?

According to kawat.blogspot.com, out of the 40 awards for the 2006/2007 period, there were no recipients for seven categories, the most glaring of which was 'Drama'. Was there not even one drama written or produced in Bahasa at all in 2007/2008? Or was there no 'acceptable' drama? (If Singaporeans can stage good dramas in Bahasa, why not Malaysians?) Also in this 'no show' category were short stories and poems for youths and children. Looks like nobody writes these, either. One question comes to mind though: were these awards only given to books published by DBP? How about all books published by all publishers in Bahasa (including those from the fringe)? And if we truly want to give out Malaysian Literary Awards, how about including all books published in all languages in Malaysia, some of which have received international acclaim (not to mention awards)?

The Minister also called on creative workers to take advantage of loans under the RM200mil Creative Industry Fund announced in the 2010 Budget, challenging local writers and publishers to enter the global literature market.

This is an extract from the 2010 budget speech by the Prime Minister under

PROMOTING CREATIVE INDUSTRY:

57. The creative industry has the potential to be further developed and contribute to economic growth. This industry encompasses performing arts and music, design animation, advertisement and content development. To coordinate the development of the various segments of the industry, the Government will

First Formulate a comprehensive Creative Industry policy for the development of the creative industry;

Second Establish a RM200 million Creative Industry Fund to finance activities such as film and drama productions, music, animation, advertisement and local content development. The fund managed by Bank Simpanan National will provide soft loans. The loan application procedure will also be simplified; and

Third Establish Tabung Kebajikan Penggiat Seni to ensure the welfare of artistes. For this, a launching grant of RM3 million will be provided.

Has anyone seen any rules for this? In our minds, jaded by decades of conditioning, one would automatically assume that those who create in English, Chinese and Tamil need not apply. Would that be a wrong assumption?