KOTA KINABALU: Three local women writers received recognition at the Women Writers Symposium held recently at Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka here.
They were Datuk Noraini Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh who was conferred with Kencana Srikandi Award; Azizah Hj Itam, a former RTM radio producer was honoured with Media Srikandi Award and Azmah Nordin who received the Creative Srikandi Award.
The permanent secetary of the Community Development and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Datuk Siti Sapoo Ahok, who represented the minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad, presented the awards.
Jainab said in her speech for the closing ceremony of the symposium said that women play a vital role in the community in extending and sharing their thoughts through writing.
“Creative writing should be maintained, preserved and conserved. This effort must be continued so that the next generation can benefit from reading the writings of our local legendary writers.
“Writing is a skill and very priceless indeed. We must not take it for granted instead carry on writing for the betterment of one-self as well as for the benefits of the community at large,” she said.
The minister added that the enthusiasm and passion of the participants must be recognised so that the spirit of writing will go on and become lively and interesting.
Meanwhile, Datuk Mariati Robert who is the Attorney-General and chairperson of Sabah Women Advisory Council, said the literature has to be nurtured from young so that the interest will grow and expand over time.
“It seems like the literature has been neglected since people are more interested in other things. Therefore it is important to instil the love for writing since at tender age,” said Mariati.
According to Lailah Elok, one of the organisers, this symposium will become an annual programme and may invite participants from other Asian Countries to be part of this prestigious event.