KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government continues to emphasise on the development of the creative industry which was expected to generate RM16.1 billion in income by the end of this year.

The deputy prime minister (picture) said the creative industry was on a firm footing when it reaped an income of RM7 billion last year, which contributed RM1.9 billion to national gross domestic product (GDP).

Speaking at the Malaysian Premier Literary Awards presentation here today, he said writers or authors were also needed to move along with the industry.

“Hence, they must be sensitive and strive to boost their writing skills to produce literary works of quality and of high aesthetic value.

“Writers still need to improve their writing style and technique. I hope the local universities can play a role in turning out writers or authors with higher aspirations,” he said.

Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, also suggested that Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) through the DBP Academy carry out Malay literature writing programmes in addition to other courses already taking place.

“Talented writers need training and exposure to raise their creativity levels.

“I hope Malaysia will become a centre for writing programmes similar to the International Writing Programme in Iowa, United States,” he said.

Muhyiddin also suggested that DBP draw up a Malay Language Skills Test and issue certificates for those who are keen to learn the language, especially from abroad.

He said the test would be able to help boost mastery in the Malay language among citizens and help to expand it abroad.

In an effort to uphold the Malay language as a language of knowledge, Muhyiddin also urged academicians to turn out more works in the language, and the Malaysia National Institute of Translation (ITNM) to expedite translation of international research works.

The Malaysia Premier Literary Award is a recognition given to national multi-genre literary works of high quality.

The evaluation was made on literary works that were published for the first time in 2012 based on three categories, namely, Book or Group Work (A category), Short Literary Piece (B Category) and Children and Youth Literature Book (C category).

Forty literary works were recognised including from young writers such as Rebecca Ilham who garnered double victories in the short literary piece category through her short stories “Anatomi Sekeping Hati” (Anatomy of A Heart) and “Bentuk dan Makna” (Form and Meaning).

National laurette Datuk Anwar Ridhwan won first prize with his novel “Penyeberang Sempadan” (Border Crosser) and his poem “Mariam?” (in the short literary piece category).

The winner in A category received prizes worth RM10,000, B category RM2,000 and C category RM5,000. — Bernama