KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Three Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been accredited by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) under the Intangible Cultural Heritage domain.
In a statement today, the National Writers Association of Malaysia (Pena) announced that it, along with the Malaysian Craft Council and the Heritage Cultural Centre, will receive the accreditation during Unesco’s 10th General Assembly in Paris, which starts today.
Pena president Assoc Prof Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad said this recognition is a great honour, particularly for the literary community, which has supported efforts to advocate for literary arts within the context of intangible heritage.
“Without the support of the Federation of Malaysian National Writers Associations, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the National Department of Culture and Arts, the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry, the Education Ministry, especially the National Book Council of Malaysia, and Kota Buku Corporation, and various other agencies, it would have been difficult for us to fulfil our responsibilities as cultural developers and builders," he said.
Saleeh also expressed hope this accreditation would prompt stakeholders to continue offering support and assistance to Pena so it can fulfil its mandate.
— Bernama
