KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) has denied allegations it had burned books on Iban literature, saying it is untrue and misleading while reaffirming its pursuit of literary preservation.
DBP explained in a statement that since Sarawak DBP took over the role from Borneo Literature Bureau (BLB) in 1977, all materials including books received with 1,077 titles were still preserved in storage.
"This includes 444 collections (BLB) and 633 (Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah collections) still being preserved and this material can be used as a reference by researchers, writers and the public who wish to go to the Borneo collection, DBP Sarawak Branch," it said.
According to DBP, as an agency entrusted with safeguarding and upholding language and literature, it has, through research and documentation of tribal languages and indigenous folklore in Sarawak, published dictionaries of tribal languages like Kamus Bahasa Melanau Mukah, Kamus Bahasa Iban, Kamus Bahasa Vaie and Kamus Melayu Sarawak.
According to the statement, DBP has also published a Word List (catalogue), including 'Daftar Kata Bahasa Vaie (Bahasa Melayu); Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Kedayan); Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Melanau Dalat); Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Melanau Seduan); Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Kenyah Cebup); Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Tetaw); Daftar Kata Bahasa Bakong (Bahasa Melayu) and Daftar Kata Bahasa Narum (Bahasa Melayu).
In addition, DBP also published 44 titles of folk literature books including the 'Antologi Cerita Rakyat Sarawak Telichu and Telichai; Avun Hagang Batang Kayo; Kerena Dayang Petera; Nariak and Puteri Kayangan; Buluh Perindu; Kumpulan Cerita Rakyat Sarawak Si Abu-Abu Sarawak Folklore; Cerita Rakyat Iban and Asap Kayu Lukai as well as publishing Iban Language textbooks in liaison with the Education Ministry which have been officially used for teaching in schools in Sarawak.
"Sarawak DBP will continue to carry out research, conservation and publication in honouring tribal languages, folk literature and the uniqueness found in the multi-racial community in Sarawak," it said.
"The results of these findings are presented every year in the 'Seminar Kearifan Tempatan Sarawak' which sees the participation of researchers, literary activists, academics and community leaders in the Land of the Hornbills," read the statement.
DBP expressed hope that the allegations on Facebook would not hamper DBP's efforts in preserving and conserving the treasures, uniqueness and culture of the Sarawak community through documentation and publishing of books that will be dwelt upon by future generations. – Bernama
