Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Denies Burning Iban Literature and Books

Background

A recent post on social media sparked controversy when it alleged that the national language and literature agency, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, had burned Iban literature and books. However, the agency has denied these allegations, stating that they are untrue and misleading.

The Allegation

The allegation was made in a year-old post on Reddit’s Sarawak community page, which was reposted yesterday on the Sarawak Public Feedback page. The post claimed that Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka had destroyed Iban literature and books, sparking widespread concern among the public.

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka’s Response

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka has categorically denied the allegations, stating that all materials received from the former Borneo Literature Bureau in 1977, including 1,077 books, are still preserved in storage. The agency emphasized that it is entrusted with safeguarding and upholding language and literature, and has carried out research and documentation of tribal languages and indigenous folklore in Sarawak.

Research and Conservation Efforts

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka has published dictionaries of tribal languages such as Melanau Mukah, Iban, Vaie, and Sarawak Malay, as well as 44 titles of folk literature and Iban language textbooks officially used for teaching in schools in Sarawak. The agency’s Sarawak branch will continue to carry out research, conservation, and publication efforts “in honouring tribal languages, folk literature, and the uniqueness found in the multi-racial community in Sarawak”.

Access to Preserved Titles

Researchers and the public can inspect the preserved titles by visiting the Borneo collection at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka’s Sarawak branch.

Conclusion

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka’s denial of the allegations and its commitment to preserving and promoting Iban literature and books is reassuring. The agency’s efforts to research, conserve, and publish tribal languages and indigenous folklore are crucial in preserving the cultural heritage of Sarawak.

FAQs

Q: What did Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka say about the allegations?
A: The agency denied the allegations, stating that they are untrue and misleading.

Q: What materials did Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka receive from the former Borneo Literature Bureau in 1977?
A: The agency received 1,077 books, which are still preserved in storage.

Q: What languages has Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka published dictionaries for?
A: The agency has published dictionaries for Melanau Mukah, Iban, Vaie, and Sarawak Malay.

Q: Can researchers and the public access the preserved titles?
A: Yes, the Borneo collection is available for inspection at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka’s Sarawak branch.