THE government has approved an additional allocation of RM3 million for the management of Yayasan Karyawan as well as RM2 million to fund efforts to popularise the literary works of national laureates. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative aimed to give recognition to national laureates and allow up to 60 new titles to be published and developed into masterpieces that could be emulated. 

“We don’t want the literary works to only circulate among the elite group and be kept on the bookshelves of their private libraries. Apart from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Yayasan Karyawan is specifically tasked with increasing efforts to introduce Malay masterpieces to the public. 

“I will provide whatever support is necessary because this is about the survival of the nation,” he said when speaking at the Tun Syed Nasir Cultural Centre today. 

Under Budget 2023, RM20 million is allocated to the agencies involved in translation and publishing, namely Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Institut Terjemahan dan Buku Malaysia, and Yayasan Karyawan, to encourage these activities.  

Anwar said economic strength alone would not guarantee the success of a nation, country, or civilisation. 

“To me, it is a huge task. To awaken, develop, and empower the nation, it must be based on the strength of language and culture and by rediscovering and promoting the treasures of the nation,” he added. – Bernama, April 17, 2023.