KUCHING: There are no shortcuts to achieving literary mastery.
In making this clear Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka board member Datuk Dr. Jeniri Amir stressed the need for sustained dedication to attain greatness in the literary world.
He made these observations at the “Discourse on Thoughts of Sarawak Literary Figures” programme held here Tuesday (Oct 29).
“To become a successful writer, there is no shortcut. You must read actively, even if it means being labelled a ‘bookworm’ or ‘bibliophile,'” Dr. Jeniri declared to an attentive audience.
He highlighted that true literary success requires continuous dedication to reading and writing, a sentiment reinforced by the examples he shared from Sarawak’s own literary icons.
He pointed to the journey of Zainal Abidin Suhaili, popularly known as Abizai, who is celebrated as Sarawak’s fifth literary figure.
“Abizai’s poetry is an insightful reflection of human experience, interwoven with observations about nature, spirituality, and everyday life,” according to Dr. Jeniri.
Abizai, he said, provides a profound commentary on humanity’s connection to nature and divinity, while also capturing unique elements of Sarawakian identity.
He remarked that Abizai’s poetry is not just self-reflective but also ventures into the lives, cities, and landscapes around him
To budding writers, Dr. Jeniri pointed to Abizai’s unwavering dedication as a model to emulate.
“Abizai grew up and lived in Miri, a small town, but regardless of where one is born or raised, success is possible if one is willing to put in the effort,” he said, stressing that perseverance is key to literary accomplishment.
The event also celebrated Jong Chian Lai, a prominent Sarawakian author.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Jeniri noted that Jong’s path to success was far from easy.
“At just 16, Jong began writing but struggled to get published for the first two years of his career. However, Jong’s resilience paid off, and by 1984, his works started to appear in Malaysian media,” he said.
“This serves as an inspiration for all writers,” Dr. Jeniri said, affirming that persistence often yields success in the face of challenges.
One of the core messages Dr. Jeniri shared with the audience was the importance of branding as a writer.
In his words, establishing a distinctive style and unique “brand” is crucial for any writer.
“You need to create a brand, not just any brand, but a strong one.”
This idea, he said, applies to all who wish to make a lasting impact in any field.
According to Dr. Jeniri, Abizai exemplifies this principle, as his work bears a distinct style and tone.
“Even if the author of his work is anonymous, one can still distinguish it as his writing,” he said, emphasising Abizai’s unique voice that resonates throughout his poetry, essays, and other literary pieces.
Dr. Jeniri also reflected on his own journey as a literary critic, sharing how he first took an interest in Abizai’s work in the early 1990s.
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He credited Abizai’s dedication to his craft as the reason for his enduring success.
