'Writers shape values and morals of a society'.
WRITING plays a crucial role in developing the country in which the author has a responsibility in shaping the values and morals of a society, said Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong, chairman of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (Yayasan) board of directors yesterday. "(This is) especially in Islamic literature which has high qualities of aesthetics and morality," said Pehin Dato Hj Abu Bakar during his speech at the inaugural Islamic Literature Awards held at the International Convention Centre. His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, was present as the guest of honour at yesterday's award ceremony. Also present to accompany the Crown Prince was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik. Aside from being historians, literary writers also document history, the socio-politics of a country and the day-to-day life of the community, which is evident s