Ipoh: Poetry can serve as a bridge to strengthen bonds among Malaysians of different races, ethnicities, and religions, while also acting as a medium to share ideas and reflections, Deputy Minister of National Unity K. Saraswathy said. She emphasized that poetry allows society to express unity and harmony through language that inspires solidarity, especially among the younger generation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saraswathy stated that through poetry recitations, society can revisit history and highlight facts to the youth, helping them understand the struggles of their ancestors, which fosters a sense of nationhood. She expressed the belief that instilling patriotism, particularly in the younger generation, would reinforce unity among all Malaysians.

She shared these views with BERNAMA after officiating the National-Level Malaysia Day Artistic Poetry Recital Competition. Saraswathy noted that the competition marked a refreshing reform in poetry recital, potentially attracting more participation from the public, especially youth. She stressed the importance of studying and implementing concrete efforts to spark youth interest in poetry.

Saraswathy also highlighted the hope that exposure to poetry would lead the younger generation to develop a love for Malaysia’s literary heritage. She expressed the National Unity Ministry’s readiness to collaborate in organizing more literary and cultural programs, as such initiatives nurture positive values, patriotism, and appreciation of the nation’s heritage.

The SDPAHM 2025 event was organized by the National Poets Association of Malaysia (PEMUISI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), and the Ipoh Teacher Education Institute (IPG). At the event, Nor Atiekah Hidayah Hussain from Terengganu won the Platinum Award, receiving the Seri PEMUISI Challenge Trophy, a trophy, RM2,000 cash, books, and a certificate. Akilul Nazar Arbain of Johor received the Gold Award with a trophy, RM1,500 cash, books, and a certificate, while Abdul Rasmin Sagal Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan secured the Silver Award, winning a replica trophy, RM1,000 cash, books, and a certificate.