Seminar explores evolution of Malay literature.

The Malay literature, which has been practised over the years, should change according to the current needs and developments. This task is one of the functions of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia Language Council (MABBIM), which is very much aware of the changing trends especially those related to the development of a nation.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Awang Hj Jemat bin Hj Ampal said this during the opening ceremony for the 48th MABBIM Language Seminar and Conference at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

Dato Paduka Awang Hj Jemat went on to say that the Malay language has shown its openness by being ready to accept any foreign terminology to be transformed into the Malay language, involving adaptations in terms of diction, and chosen method to form the words.

"In line with the openness of the Malay language, which is ready to accept foreign language to complete the recipe for the current needs in life, without neglecting the Malay language itself because mastering more than one language is an advantage, aside from the fact that sources of knowledge can be obtained in various languages," he said.

Nine working papers will be presented at the four-day conference by Brunei as the host country, as well as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Four books entitled 'Pedoman Umum Ejaan Rumi Bahasa Melayu', 'Kompilasi Keputusan Umum Sidang MBIM/MABBIM (1972-2008)', 'Buletin MABBIM' and 'Monograf Istillah Peribumi Nama-Nama Ikan' were also launched by the Permanent Secretary.