KUCHING: Local writers have been urged to increase the number of titles about Sarawak and the libraries must buy the books from these local writers. In making thi s cal l Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Johari Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg said apart from the culture, language and biodiversity wealth, there should also be an increment in biographies of imminent leaders of Sarawak who have contributed to the state’s development.
Kadim Suaidi (left) looks. PHOTO: BERNAMA
He said Borneo, which is the third largest island in the world, is rich in the diverse culture of its inhabitants, language, history, the flora and fauna. “We have probably taken all these wealth for granted as all of them have become seamlessly integrated with our lives,” Johari said in a text of speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land & Regional Development who represented him at the Opening Ceremony of the International Conference On Borneo Book Publishing & Borneo Book Fair 2017 at Waterfront Hotel, Plaza Merdeka here yesterday.
The Chief Minister said Sarawak has more than 40 ethnic groups with their own distinct languages, cultures and lifestyles, and it would be worthwhile to write about each ethnic group so that it not only preserves the indignenous knowledge but also enables people to understand each other better.
He also urged traditional publishing business to adapt themselves to the digital era and transform their old business models as technology had become a challenge to retain readers in the print publishing industry as more and more people, especially the young people are migrating to publications in the mobile platforms. He believed that E-books and printed books will coexist and there will always be people who prefer to read the printed books but there will also be people who favour electronic books, but most readers can accept both and this would be the future scenario. “I am confident UNIMAS can play its role to increase writing and publishing activities as part of our literary development in the State,” he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to inculcate the love for reading and writing and the cooperation from everyone was needed that include non-governmental associations and schools and universities. Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ka d im b i n Hj Su a d i , Vi c e Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in his speech said since its inception, Unimas had published more than 100 t i t les and Unimas had been actively involved in numerous international partnerships and collaboration for the promotion of joint research and education programme.
