KUALA LUMPUR: Writer Datuk Rahman Shaari, 73, has been named the country's 15th National Laureate.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah presented Rahman with the award at the 15th National Laureate Award ceremony, here, last night.
The academician who hails from Kampung Gial in Mata Ayer, Perlis has written at least 11 Malay novels, poetry collections, short stories and is known for his open literary criticism.
Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin in his keynote speech said Rahman was chosen by a group of 14 panellists after evaluating all his works and contributions over the past few decades.
He said Rahman's contribution to the country must be recognised as he played an important role in shaping and uplifting Malay literature, through his numerous writings, both locally and internationally.
"He is an excellent writer who has a flair for all literary genres, including poetry, drama, short stories, novels and the Malay language itself.
"This highest award in literature is a national honour to the most deserving laureate for his role in strengthening the culture of knowledge, elevating Malay literature and fostering the love of art in the community," he said, congratulating Rahman on his achievement.
With the award, Rahman also received RM60,000 cash, a publication grant for 50,000 copies of his books or the value of the book at a maximum of RM500,000, first class medical treatment at all government hospitals and a monthly RM5,000 allowance.
Rahman was previously awarded the Southeast Asian Writers Award (Anugerah Penulis Asia Tenggara) award which is a recognition given to the best writers from Asean countries in 2017.
He also received the Malaysian Literary Prize three times in the poetry category in 1976, 1982, 1986 and won the First Malaysian Literary Prize in 2003.
Rahman had also received the Gapena Poet Award in 2013.