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Poetry is a cherished treasure of the Malay culture, imbued with unique value. It transcends mere writing or reading; it is an art form to be deeply appreciated and actively pursued. Through poetic language – both beautiful and rich with meaning – poetry becomes a channel for the artist’s emotions and ethical reflections. It offers a powerful medium to voice the thoughts, feelings, desires, and aspirations of the Malay people, serving as a cornerstone in elevating and honouring our language and culture. This sentiment was shared by former Malaysian high commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah at the inaugural *Malam Deklamasi Puisi* event. Organised by the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, the event coincided with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, as well as International Poetry Day, celebrated annually on March 21. The night was ground-breaking in its uniqueness and engagement, featuring participants from the diplomatic circle – including many non-native speakers – who came in full support. These participants took the stage to deliver their recitals in Malay. Guests from various backgrounds and professions, including senior government officials, were also in attendance, adding to the diversity and depth of the event. As the host, Dato’ Raja Reza opened the evening by reciting *Hidup Bersama* by Datuk A Samad Said. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/n6dRny_7fcDDx_xlXDaVd-l88NMs1cvRnvfB0ZSXA92.jpeg) Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan in a group photo with members of the diplomatic corps and participants at the poetry night. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/ZY0wOcqUfjAhySEWRlbVe-_IaCXsQVHvqRuT2s6xeXp.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah; and British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/J8zHr1JnHRKBAQXxQwntg-QEKUtuNAuOW-ZK_5hLgeH.jpeg) PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/-tgBQQHAXGWv9ApyO9tNs-K7LdHfZLYmtOvYBDfjEv3.jpeg) Former Malaysian high commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD He was followed by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan who recited on behalf of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad a piece titled Silaturahim written by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman. The evening continued with contributions from non-native speakers in the diplomatic corps and among the highlights of the night were United States Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn R McClelland who confidently delivered Usman Awang’s Senja Di Seri Begawan, captivating the audience with her performance. The event also featured a captivating array of international voices. British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe delivered Sajak Putih by Sapardi Djoko Damono, while Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Luke Arnold recited Alam Ini Kami Yang Punya by Ghanim Abdul Hamid. Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah chose Aku by Chairil Anwar and Ambassador-Designate of Iran to Brunei Darussalam Muhammad Taghi Rajabi, presented Nasihat Kepada Anak by Raja Ali Haji. Additionally, spouse of the Timor Leste Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Ana Guterres recited Angina Damai Membadai Dunia by Mohd Hassany Hashim. The local community was well-represented too, with Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan and former LegCo member Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim, represented by Wafiy bin Ibrahim, who recited a piece written by the former LegCo member himself. The poetry night also showcased an impressive lineup of distinguished figures including Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Vice Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle; chief executive officer of Progresif Sdn Bhd Hajah Nurul Haniah binti Haji Jaafar; Deputy Director of the Language and Literature Bureau Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab; UBD lecturer Mohammed Zefri Arif bin Mohammed Zain Arif; and Head of International Affairs at Radio Television Brunei (RTB) Frankie Chan. The event was further graced by SEA Write 2005 Award recipient Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah; local artist and poet Pengiran Haji Mohd Don bin Pengiran Haji Besar; former LegCo member and founder of Green Brunei Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari; and RTB newsreaders Haji Omar bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Norbaizura Andy. – Lyna Mohamad

Segala Brunei→banar banar semua ada bah!⤴︎

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Urang macam awda pun kan meliat ani bah! ⤵︎

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