KUCHING: Dr Abang Patdeli Abang Muhi has been named the recipient of the 6th Sarawak Literary Award in conjunction with the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards, recognising his commitment, expertise, and distinction as a writer and esteemed literary figure.
Born in Kampung Sebangan, Simunjan, on Oct 12, 1962, he was certified as a ‘Munsyi Bahasa’ (language expert) on Nov 9, 1995. He received the award for his outstanding involvement in producing quality works and contributing to the intellectual development of society.
Chairman of the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards Evaluation Panel Datuk Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah said the award, formerly known as the Sarawak State Literary Award (ASNS), is the foremost project for literary and linguistic activities in Sarawak.
“This project began in 1994. Since then, the Sarawak Literary Awards ceremonies have been held in 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2009, 2014, and 2018.
“Throughout its implementation, there have been five main recipients of the Sarawak Literary Award. This year’s winner was determined by the Sarawak Literary Awards Evaluation Panel,” he said during a press conference for the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards here, today.
Abang Patdeli is a former director of the Department of Language and Literature Development, DBP Kuala Lumpur.
He has also served as deputy director at the Sarawak Branch of DBP, head of the Sociocultural Unit in the Policy and Strategic Planning Division at DBP Kuala Lumpur, and head of the Language and Literature Museum Unit at the Malay Documentation Centre, DBP Kuala Lumpur.
Additionally, he was a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and actively participated in more than 50 committees covering various language and literary activities at the state, national, and international levels.
Meanwhile, past award winners included the late Muhammad Bujang in 1994, followed by Muhammad Rakawi Yusuf being recognised as the second Sarawak Literary Award recipient a year later.
In 2009, 14 years later, the third Sarawak Literary Award was presented. Then in 2014, it was awarded to Jong Chian Lai, followed by Zainal Abidin Suhaili (Abizai) in 2020.
Other award recipients, including the Special Language and Literature Award were Jantan Umbat, the Sarawak Writer Award by Genre (Poetry) which went to Abang Median Abang Said, and the Sarawak Writer Award by Genre (Short Story) received by Jaya Ramba.
Meanwhile, Dr Dilah Tuah received the Sarawak Writer Award by Genre (Critical Essay), Jaya Ramba received the Sarawak Writer Award by Genre (Novel), Jantan Umbat received the Sarawak Writer Award by Language Category (Iban Language), while Lokman Hakim Abdul Wahid and Frankie Latit were awarded the Sarawak Emerging Writer Award.
In 2023, the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards Secretariat Committee, DBP Sarawak Branch, received 42 candidates for 10 award categories.
However, after the screening process, only 33 candidates in eight award categories qualified for evaluation, including two candidates for the Special Language and Literature Award recommended by the Secretariat Committee and the Evaluation Panel Committee.
Thus, after witnessing the remarkable development of language and literature in Sarawak, this award was once again implemented and adjusted with funding by the Sarawak government.
The award will be presented at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Oct 30, with Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi present during the award presentation.
Among those present at the press conference were board members and evaluation panel of the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, and secretary of the 11th Sarawak Literary Awards, Abang Haliman Abang Julai.
