KUALA LUMPUR: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek fondly recalls her school days when she eagerly awaited news about 'Malam Puisi Riong' and turned to Berita Harian (BH), the go-to newspaper for updates on the event.
In her opening speech at the poetry night in Balai Seni Budaya Tun Syed Nasir, Wisma Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Fadhlina said she was in the arts stream and had a passion for poetry since her younger years.
"Unlike now, information from those days was not as readily available, and we had to wait for the next day's newspaper to find out about the developments of the poetry night.
"There were no online broadcasts, so the only way to get updates was through the newspaper (published) the next day, which would cover details like the poets' performances, who attended, and the discussions held," she said tonight.
Malam Puisi Riong BH 2024 is an annual collaboration between Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Edisi Puisidra edition held at the Balai Seni Budaya Tun Syed Nasir, Wisma DBP.
Among those present at the event were Higher Education Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail, DBP director-general Dr Hazami Jahari, Media Prima Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid, Group Managing Editor Jasbant Singh, Deputy Managing Editor Farrah Naz Karim and BH Executive Editor Zainudin Mohd Isa.
Fadhlina also emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to promote poetry, as it is a powerful medium for national unity, strength, and language expansion.
She said poetry often reflects the scholars' social observations and can be an important tool for addressing societal issues.
"Perhaps our challenge is also to produce poetry that is truly impactful, memorable, and repeated throughout history, and deeply appreciated across all layers of society and generations.
"I remember the poems presented by the national laureates; they are so hard to forget because they have a profound impact, especially during independence, touching on the issues of race, struggle, and so on.
"So, I think poetry is a moving story, an experience, and a very important social observation from our national laureates.
"It is very significant and sharp when they write poetry," she said.