Nazmi Yaakub's Blog
January 5, 2016
Malaysian authors and the call for the Nobel
Malaysian authors were challenged by their Deputy Prime Minister to win Nobel Prize by writing what that can transcend their barriers and strive to the global market. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi demanded Malaysian intellectual including novelists and authors to produce 'works that could capture the attention of international audiences.
Yes sir, but of course among the current barriers is a language issues because not only we need the money to translate our works, but also a good translators which are not cheap to get them. And until now, we still don't have a single translator who had be known as a good literary translator and professional one especially to the English.
So first thing first - please put some money in the pot.
Read: Malaysia wants Nobel Prize winner by 2057
Yes sir, but of course among the current barriers is a language issues because not only we need the money to translate our works, but also a good translators which are not cheap to get them. And until now, we still don't have a single translator who had be known as a good literary translator and professional one especially to the English.
So first thing first - please put some money in the pot.
Read: Malaysia wants Nobel Prize winner by 2057
November 25, 2015
George Town Literary Festival
Bernice Chauly talked about the upcoming of George Town Literary Festival which will run starting tomorro until this Sunday in Malay Mail Online. They invite Man Asian Prize winner, Tan Twan Eng and Norwegian novelist Hanne Ørstavik, winner of the Dobloug Prize in 2002 and the Brage Prize (2004). Ørstavik, according to the report wrote 14 novels including Like Sant Som Jeg Er Virkelig (The Blue Room) which had been translated into 18 languages.
BH also published the George Town Literary Festival's story on Tuesday.
BH also published the George Town Literary Festival's story on Tuesday.
National literature as a major subject
Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak said that national literature should be included to Malaysian education systems as a major subject, not just a component in Malay Language. Currently Malaysian student must study literature as part as language learning. For that, Razak also asked for increasing in children literature based on cultures and local values.
His text was read by Education Ministeri, Mahdzir Khalid at Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (MPLP) ceremony in Seri Kembangan, last night.
The assertion which made by Prime Minister must be follow with a passionate effort by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). And the selection of works must be doing with transparent and honest - so that only a great and right reading materials will be used.
His text was read by Education Ministeri, Mahdzir Khalid at Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (MPLP) ceremony in Seri Kembangan, last night.
The assertion which made by Prime Minister must be follow with a passionate effort by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). And the selection of works must be doing with transparent and honest - so that only a great and right reading materials will be used.
National Book Award 2015
There is also National Book Award 2015 which held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur this morning in conjunction with Malaysian Book Expo. The organizer is National Book Development Foundation for both event.
Basically, National Book Award was given to Malaysian industry book from author to editor and publisher for their contributions. But their list of prizes is in a little messed-up because its range from individual to publishers and we never knew what the criteria had been used in the winners selection.
Read: Anugerah Buku Negara 2015 iktiraf 41 pemain industri
Basically, National Book Award was given to Malaysian industry book from author to editor and publisher for their contributions. But their list of prizes is in a little messed-up because its range from individual to publishers and we never knew what the criteria had been used in the winners selection.
Read: Anugerah Buku Negara 2015 iktiraf 41 pemain industri
Kelantan Literary Award
We've been waiting for a very long time for this awards. And by we, its mean all Kelantan-born writers. This morning, Anugerah Sastera Negeri Kelantan (ASNK) or Kelantan Literary Award was given to its reciepents who appraised by a group of authoritative judges.
Fatimah Busu who is known as novelist, short story writers and academic, won Kelantan Literary Award's grand prize, while the poet, Wadi Leta AS was given a Hadiah Cekal Sastera Negeri Kelantan.
Below is the result of Kelantan's best books of 2013-2014:
Poetry: Tidakkah Kita Berada di Sana? (Have Not We're There?*) by Rosli K Matari
Short story: Naratif Jurnalis (The Narative of Journalist*) by Nassury Ibrahim
Novel: Jogho Yang Tewas (The Defeated Champion*) by Rohani Deraman
Essay/critique: Pemikiran Dharmawijaya - Menterjemahkan Sosialisasi Masyarakat Desa dan Kota (The Thought of Dharmawijaya - Translating of Socialization Rural and Town Society*) Naapie Mat
Beside the book, ASNK also recognized a single work published in newspaper or magazine such short story and poetry.
Short story
1. Janji Juita by Abdul Hadi Yusoff -
2. Pemburu Malam Delionic by Adnie Bahiah
3. Charole by Eh Deng Eh Chik
4. Pada Suatu Nama by Nazmi Yaakub
5. Hujan Keruh di Jogja by SM Zakir
Poem
1. Kau Turun Seperti Biasa by Rudi Mahmood
2. Sajak Besi Kepada Kayu by Wadi Leta SA
3. Pinjamkan Aku, Rindu by Rahimidin Zahari
4. Tanah Bergaris Matahari by SM Zakir
5. Benih Tumbuh by Epan Pro Poul
Drama
1. Biring Si Kunani by Rahimidin Zahari
2. Pocong by Norhisham Mustaffa
Essay/critique
1. Haiku Melayu: Seiras Tidak Serupa by Darma Mohammad
2. Realisme Baru Zainal Rashid by SM Zakir
Hadiah Sastera Penulis Harapan
The winner: Rohani Deraman
Hadiah Penghargaan Penggerak Sastera
The winner: Abham TR
Fatimah Busu who is known as novelist, short story writers and academic, won Kelantan Literary Award's grand prize, while the poet, Wadi Leta AS was given a Hadiah Cekal Sastera Negeri Kelantan.
Below is the result of Kelantan's best books of 2013-2014:
Poetry: Tidakkah Kita Berada di Sana? (Have Not We're There?*) by Rosli K Matari
Short story: Naratif Jurnalis (The Narative of Journalist*) by Nassury Ibrahim
Novel: Jogho Yang Tewas (The Defeated Champion*) by Rohani Deraman
Essay/critique: Pemikiran Dharmawijaya - Menterjemahkan Sosialisasi Masyarakat Desa dan Kota (The Thought of Dharmawijaya - Translating of Socialization Rural and Town Society*) Naapie Mat
Beside the book, ASNK also recognized a single work published in newspaper or magazine such short story and poetry.
Short story
1. Janji Juita by Abdul Hadi Yusoff -
2. Pemburu Malam Delionic by Adnie Bahiah
3. Charole by Eh Deng Eh Chik
4. Pada Suatu Nama by Nazmi Yaakub
5. Hujan Keruh di Jogja by SM Zakir
Poem
1. Kau Turun Seperti Biasa by Rudi Mahmood
2. Sajak Besi Kepada Kayu by Wadi Leta SA
3. Pinjamkan Aku, Rindu by Rahimidin Zahari
4. Tanah Bergaris Matahari by SM Zakir
5. Benih Tumbuh by Epan Pro Poul
Drama
1. Biring Si Kunani by Rahimidin Zahari
2. Pocong by Norhisham Mustaffa
Essay/critique
1. Haiku Melayu: Seiras Tidak Serupa by Darma Mohammad
2. Realisme Baru Zainal Rashid by SM Zakir
Hadiah Sastera Penulis Harapan
The winner: Rohani Deraman
Hadiah Penghargaan Penggerak Sastera
The winner: Abham TR
Malaysian Premier Literary Prize
Malaysian Premier Literary Prize ceremony will be held at The Palace of the Golden Horses hotel, Seri Kembangan, tonight. The prizes will be given by Malaysian Prime Minister.
The results - as we already knew when the announcement was made last week - show us the 2014 Malaysian literary best works for various genres as far as the judges are concerned. But how its go after this recognition, depends to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and their publishers to capitalize it.
The books are not to meant only to stay on bookshelves in the bookstores. Certainly not for the books which won such a pretsigous prize. For that we hope DBP and their counterpart will organize more event not just to promote the books, but also to critique and discuss it.
The winner of main category in Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (RM10,000)
Novel: Nenek (Grandmother*) by Razali Endun
Short story (compilation): Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) by Malim Ghozali Pk
Poetry (anthology): Jaulah ke Syurga (The Journey to Heaven*) by Muzaf Ahmad
Literary study: Oksidentalisme dalam Sastera Melayu Sebelum Merdeka hingga Era Mahathir Mohamad (Occidentalism in Malay Literature Before Merdeka Until Era of Mahathir Mohamad*) by Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad
Biography: Biografi Ishak Shaari Pejuang Bumi Semua Manusia (The Biography of Ishak Shaari: Naturalist Fighter for Humankind*) by Dr Mohamed Salleh Lamry
The winner of children literature (RM5,000)
Novel: ... Rahsia Dhia! (Secret of Dhia*) by Zainun Mustapha
Poetry (anthology): Sakura (Sakura*) by Mahaya Mohd Yassin
Picture book: Di Mana Sebelah Lagi? (Where's the Other Half?*) by Razisatul Asyifah
The winner of youth literature (RM5,000)
Novel: Gerbang Raudhah (The Arch of Raudhah*) by Rohaidah Yon
Short story (compilation): Tetamu Istimewa (A Special Guest*) by Mohd Helmi Ahmad
Poetry (anthology): Mimpi Kotaku (The Dream of My City*) by Hilmi Rindu
The results - as we already knew when the announcement was made last week - show us the 2014 Malaysian literary best works for various genres as far as the judges are concerned. But how its go after this recognition, depends to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and their publishers to capitalize it.
The books are not to meant only to stay on bookshelves in the bookstores. Certainly not for the books which won such a pretsigous prize. For that we hope DBP and their counterpart will organize more event not just to promote the books, but also to critique and discuss it.
The winner of main category in Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (RM10,000)
Novel: Nenek (Grandmother*) by Razali Endun
Short story (compilation): Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) by Malim Ghozali Pk
Poetry (anthology): Jaulah ke Syurga (The Journey to Heaven*) by Muzaf Ahmad
Literary study: Oksidentalisme dalam Sastera Melayu Sebelum Merdeka hingga Era Mahathir Mohamad (Occidentalism in Malay Literature Before Merdeka Until Era of Mahathir Mohamad*) by Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad
Biography: Biografi Ishak Shaari Pejuang Bumi Semua Manusia (The Biography of Ishak Shaari: Naturalist Fighter for Humankind*) by Dr Mohamed Salleh Lamry
The winner of children literature (RM5,000)
Novel: ... Rahsia Dhia! (Secret of Dhia*) by Zainun Mustapha
Poetry (anthology): Sakura (Sakura*) by Mahaya Mohd Yassin
Picture book: Di Mana Sebelah Lagi? (Where's the Other Half?*) by Razisatul Asyifah
The winner of youth literature (RM5,000)
Novel: Gerbang Raudhah (The Arch of Raudhah*) by Rohaidah Yon
Short story (compilation): Tetamu Istimewa (A Special Guest*) by Mohd Helmi Ahmad
Poetry (anthology): Mimpi Kotaku (The Dream of My City*) by Hilmi Rindu
November 23, 2015
If you were a new PM, what would you do?
If you were elected as a new Prime Minister, what would you do first? For Kevin Rudd who took over Australian Prime Minister office after 2007 election, he initiated the Prime Minister's Literary Awards - among other moves such as signing the Kyoto Protocol and delivering an apology to Australian Aboriginal for the act of Australian government who removed their children from them between 1905 to 1970.
Also read joint press statement by the current Prime Minister, Malcom Turnbull with Minister of the Arts, Mitch Fifield recognised the awards as an exceptional literary achievement by Australian writers. And it is heartwarming to read such appeal that had been made by Australian leaders:
The prize worth $80,000 (RM246,000) for the winner, while all the shortlisted authors will get $5,000 (RM15,000). Maybe it should be implement in our literary prize - which in current practice, the winner takes it all.
Also read joint press statement by the current Prime Minister, Malcom Turnbull with Minister of the Arts, Mitch Fifield recognised the awards as an exceptional literary achievement by Australian writers. And it is heartwarming to read such appeal that had been made by Australian leaders:
"I encourage all book‐loving Australians to celebrate the exceptional talent of Australia's literary sector by reading a book or two from the 2015 Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlists."The award's shortlists were announced yesterday and The Sydney Morning Herald had its full lists in Shortlists announced for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. The awards have six catogeries: fiction, poetry, Australian history, non-fiction, young adult fiction and children's fiction. Almost same as Malaysian Premier Literary Prize except national historical writing.
The prize worth $80,000 (RM246,000) for the winner, while all the shortlisted authors will get $5,000 (RM15,000). Maybe it should be implement in our literary prize - which in current practice, the winner takes it all.
November 21, 2015
Malaysian science fiction and fantasy
In US, science fiction and fantasy genres has been viewed as belittler writing by literary status-quo. The Wired has a good article about the changing that has been happen when Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy released this year. The release was considered as a major step toward respectability.
Malaysian science fiction and fantasy genres in other hands, has more good thing to say. As far as I'm remember, Rahmat Haroun who wrote Di. Ar. Ti. and Manuklon was regarded among the pioner of Malaysian science fiction, while Ahmad Patria Abdullah as a 'pathfinder' in Malaysian fantasy world. Abdullah wrote such good fantasy novels like Kembar Artakus (Artakus Twins*); Pedang Aurora (Aurora Sword*) and Kota Arialun (The City of Arialun*).
But Malaysian science fiction and fantasy writing had never been disparaged within the literary world. All of those novels were published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) who has an autonomous power granted by the goverment to publish literary writings in Malaysia.
Still, there is a lot of effort needed to uphold these two genres for us to see its grow more. And if the American science fiction and fantasy circle were exhilarated by the releasing of Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, I think Malaysian counterparts would have same thrill.
I think editor of Dewan Sastera, Fadli Al-Akiti who a science fiction writer himself has something to say.
* not yet translated
Malaysian science fiction and fantasy genres in other hands, has more good thing to say. As far as I'm remember, Rahmat Haroun who wrote Di. Ar. Ti. and Manuklon was regarded among the pioner of Malaysian science fiction, while Ahmad Patria Abdullah as a 'pathfinder' in Malaysian fantasy world. Abdullah wrote such good fantasy novels like Kembar Artakus (Artakus Twins*); Pedang Aurora (Aurora Sword*) and Kota Arialun (The City of Arialun*).
But Malaysian science fiction and fantasy writing had never been disparaged within the literary world. All of those novels were published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) who has an autonomous power granted by the goverment to publish literary writings in Malaysia.
Still, there is a lot of effort needed to uphold these two genres for us to see its grow more. And if the American science fiction and fantasy circle were exhilarated by the releasing of Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, I think Malaysian counterparts would have same thrill.
I think editor of Dewan Sastera, Fadli Al-Akiti who a science fiction writer himself has something to say.
* not yet translated
November 19, 2015
English as official language in Sarawak
The announcement of Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia or Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (HSPM) was clouded by the news of Sarawak adopted English as the official language of the state administration, apart from Malay language. The astound statement was made by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the state civil service gathering yesterday and emphasized that it was a practical and logical step.
While his advice for the state's civil servants to be fluently in English was widely acceptable, the urgency of using English as a second official language is not. But bear in mind that Sarawak has a privilege which called Perkara 20 and one of them is the using of English as official language related to the state and federal purposes without a limit of time. And in the same time Malaysian Constitution states states Malay language as a national language and must used it for on official purposes regarding to the government, federal or state and any other purpose concern with a public authority.
Because of that Malaysian government, politic leaders and all of us should manage and discuss this issue delicately, balancing with the state jurisdiction and sovereignty of Constitution.
Read also:-
Minta Sarawak kaji semula, jangan atasi kepentingan negara
PEKASA minta Adnan Satem, DBP berbincang
Tindakan Sarawak beri kesan perpaduan, jati diri
While his advice for the state's civil servants to be fluently in English was widely acceptable, the urgency of using English as a second official language is not. But bear in mind that Sarawak has a privilege which called Perkara 20 and one of them is the using of English as official language related to the state and federal purposes without a limit of time. And in the same time Malaysian Constitution states states Malay language as a national language and must used it for on official purposes regarding to the government, federal or state and any other purpose concern with a public authority.
Because of that Malaysian government, politic leaders and all of us should manage and discuss this issue delicately, balancing with the state jurisdiction and sovereignty of Constitution.
Read also:-
Minta Sarawak kaji semula, jangan atasi kepentingan negara
PEKASA minta Adnan Satem, DBP berbincang
Tindakan Sarawak beri kesan perpaduan, jati diri
'Grandma' grabs Malaysian literary prize
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) announced the winners of Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia or Malaysian Premier Literary Prize (HSPM) at their headquaters in Kuala Lumpur today. This is the most pretigious of book and literary works prize in Malaysia with three categories.
The best novel is Nenek (Grandmother*) by Razali Endun, while for the compilation of short story, the judges choose Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) by Malim Ghozali Pk. Malim Ghozali who I mentioned before grabed an atention when his novel, Tree of Sorrow was nominated for long list of Dublin International Literary Award 2016.
The winners whose also listed are Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad for his literary review, Oksidentalisme dalam Sastera Melayu sebelum Merdeka hingga Era Mahathir Mohamad; Ahmad Muzaffar Baharudin (poetry anthology, Jaulah Sampai Syurga) and Mohamed Salleh Lamry (biography, Biografi Ishak Shaari: Pejuang Bumi Semua Manusia).
And HSPM also consisted by literary works in various genres such as short story, poem, drama and children/teenager literature.
Read: Nenek ungguli Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2014
The best novel is Nenek (Grandmother*) by Razali Endun, while for the compilation of short story, the judges choose Langit Tidak Berbintang di Ulu Slim (Sky Without Stars in Ulu Slim*) by Malim Ghozali Pk. Malim Ghozali who I mentioned before grabed an atention when his novel, Tree of Sorrow was nominated for long list of Dublin International Literary Award 2016.
The winners whose also listed are Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad for his literary review, Oksidentalisme dalam Sastera Melayu sebelum Merdeka hingga Era Mahathir Mohamad; Ahmad Muzaffar Baharudin (poetry anthology, Jaulah Sampai Syurga) and Mohamed Salleh Lamry (biography, Biografi Ishak Shaari: Pejuang Bumi Semua Manusia).
And HSPM also consisted by literary works in various genres such as short story, poem, drama and children/teenager literature.
Read: Nenek ungguli Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia 2014
