By: Nurul Ezzaty Mohd Azhari
Photo: Sabri Omar
SERDANG, July 4 – The Department of Malay Language, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication (FBMK), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has organised a literary appreciation programme with the National Laureate, Dr. Siti Zainon Ismail.
The programme, which lasted three days starting, from July 4 to 6, opened its curtain today with an interview with the National Laureate, Datuk Dr. Siti Zainon.
Interestingly, the works of Datuk Dr. Siti Zainon, which included paintings and costumes, will be exhibited at the Malay Heritage Museum, FBMK, on July 6 and will be open to all visitors from 9.30 am until 12.30 pm.
Datuk Dr. Siti Zainon, fondly known as ‘bonda’, said the earliest literature and language in human life was the introduction of ABC, Jawi script and numbers.
“When we distinguish between art and science, it seems that art is like an unpopular field. If so, why can you speak? Best to be quiet.
“That is why manners and courtesy, what we know as a culture, are so important. Culture is not only the art of dance, but it is also the mind and soul,” she said during the interview at Dewan Za’ba, FBMK, here today.
Meanwhile, Head of the Department of Malay Language, FBMK, UPM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Rafidah Nik Muhamad Affendi, said programmes as such mean a lot to the faculty because, as a knowledge entity, it instils the love for Malay literature among students.
"I am confident that activities like this can provide added value to students, inculcating good values and strong ethics,” she said.
Datuk Dr. Siti Zainon Ismail is the 14th Malaysian National Laureate and Adjunct Professor at FBMK, UPM.- UPM
