BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) held a dinner reception yesterday to launch the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Literature Festival 2015.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah was the guest of honour during the event organised by the ministry’s Language and Literature Bureau (DBP).

In his speech, the minister stressed the importance of literature in strenghtening Islamic values in the Sultanate.

“The festival will gather various Islamic arts, which will be beneficial in spreading and internalising socio-cultural values that strongly promote Islamic teachings,” he said.

“Brunei is giving serious attention to develop Islamic literature through recognition or awards to local writers and literary figures,” he added.

Besides the strengthening of Islam through writing, the minister urged local writers to correct the misconceptions on Islam through works.

Pehin Dato Hj Hazair also welcomed the Minister of Prime Minister’s Office and the second Minister of Home Affair from the Republic of Singapore, Tuan Yang Terutama Encik Mas Agos Zulkifli Mas Agos Mohammad and his party.

The presence of delegations to the Sultanate is to collaborate and participate in the festival and workshop with the aim to strengthen Islamic literature and writing in this region.

The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Ministry of Religious Affairs Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar, Director of DBP Hjh Aminah Hj Momin, permanent secretaries, officers and local writers.

During the event, literary enthusiasts from both countries recited Malay poetry (Syair).

The activity will continue today and is expected to be attended by 60 participants from the country and Singapore, religious teachers and local writers.

The Brunei Times