Najib Accords Due Honour, Respect For Tamil Writers In Malaysia, Says Thanenthiran

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has accorded due honour and respect and has given hope to Tamil writers in the country for their literary works to be published in the form of books.

Najib's recognition and appreciation would spur and inspire the younger set to produce more literary works, Makkal Sakti president Datuk R.S. Thanenthiran said.

He said Najib was the only prime minister who have to date launched 10 Tamil books written by Malaysian writers.

"Najib's seriousness to value and appreciate the role played by Tamil writers gives ample avenue for them to publish more books and to help young and budding authors to hone their writing skills," he told Bernama.

Thanenthiran said strong emphasis should be given to produce Tamil literary works as they could be used as a medium of reference for the current developments unravelling and historical events that have happened in the country.

He said the publishing of Tamil literary works must be continued to preserve the Indians' cultural heritage and Tamil literature for the benefit of the younger generation.

Thanenthiran said a function would be held, with tbe support of the government, to honour 25 Tamil writers after the 13th general election.

Tamil Writers' Association of Nalaysia president P. Rajendran said Tamil writers in Malaysia gained their recognition for the first time when the prime minister contributed RM450,000 to the writers to produce quality works.

He said the writers had to be assisted to make meaningful contribution in efforts to create a progressive, knowledgeable and united society.

Praising Najib on his deep concern for Tamil writers, Rajendran said 87 members of the association attended the World Tamil Conference in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, in June 2010.

"The Barisan Nasional government under Najib's leadership recognised the Tamil Writers' Association by giving leave and special allowance to the association members, who were government employees, to attend the conference.

There are about 1,000 full-time Tamil writers in Malaysia while thousands contribute various literary works from time to time such as novels, short stories, poetries and drama scripts.

(Source: Bernama)