Kuala lumpur: The government has agreed to grant a rent exemption to the Federation of National Writers Associations of Malaysia (Gapena), announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The organization is currently operating from a building owned by the Public Works Department along Jalan Belfield, Bukit Petaling.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the premises, known as Rumah Gapena, received the exemption as part of the government's efforts to support literary works, artistic culture, and the national language. Dr Ahmad Zahid revealed that the decision came after receiving a request from Gapena president Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan and a previous application by Tan Sri Latiff Bakar. "I had two options, either to exempt the (rental payment) or to reduce (the rental rate), so I chose the first," he stated during the Gapena 55th anniversary celebration.

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid assured that the federation's application for permanent ownership of the land housing Rumah Gapena would be brought to the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He also encouraged Gapena to engage the younger generation, particularly students in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, to maintain the relevance of literature and cultural values amidst modern advancements.

Dr Ahmad Zahid emphasized that although a significant number of students are expected to pursue technical and engineering courses by the end of the 13th Malaysia Plan, literature and cultural values should not be overlooked. Highlighting TVET's role in the education system, he urged Gapena and its affiliates to integrate literature into technical education to preserve cultural values. As part of this strategy, he mentioned the government's initiative to elevate TVET education, including the involvement of students from pondok schools or tahfiz institutions.