Why has the Hadiah Bahasa award been revived after 27 years?

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The Hadiah Bahasa Award Has Been Revived to Elevate Bahasa Melayu as a Language of Knowledge

The prestigious Hadiah Bahasa award has been revived after a 27-year hiatus, with the primary objective of inspiring students and professionals to produce high-quality literary works in Bahasa Melayu. This initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate the Malay language as a language of knowledge, a cause strongly supported by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Public Bank. The award's reinstatement was directly prompted by the Prime Minister's call for its revival late last year.
Prime Minister's Call for Reinstatement

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim initiated the revival of the Hadiah Bahasa award following his call for its reinstatement late last year. This directive spurred the collaborative efforts between Public Bank and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka to bring back the award, which had last been held in 1998. The Prime Minister's advocacy underscores the importance placed on promoting the Malay language and its literary output.
Public Bank's Commitment to Elevating Bahasa Melayu

Public Bank, through its chief executive officer and managing director Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek, has shown strong support for the revival, committing to making Hadiah Bahasa an annual event starting this year. This commitment aligns with the broader national goal of elevating Bahasa Melayu as a language of knowledge. The bank's sustained involvement, dating back to the award's initial introduction in 1984, highlights its dedication to fostering literary excellence in the national language.
Fostering Arts, Language, and Culture Alongside Economic Strength

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim articulated that human progress is not solely dependent on economic prosperity but is also significantly driven by the upliftment of arts, language, and culture. He drew parallels with countries like China, Russia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, emphasizing that no great nation neglects its literature. This perspective frames the Hadiah Bahasa revival as a crucial component in nurturing a well-rounded national identity and intellectual capacity.
Award Categories Cater to Various Educational Levels

The revived Hadiah Bahasa award encompasses five distinct categories, designed to encourage literary creation across different age groups and academic stages. These include book publications and essay writing competitions specifically for primary and secondary school students. Additionally, categories are available for pre-university and university students, ensuring a comprehensive reach from foundational education to higher learning institutions.

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Why has the Hadiah Bahasa award been revived after 27 years?

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