In these uncertain times in Malaysia, a quiet moment with a poetry book can change the mood of the day. Photo: Bernama
Time for poets and aspiring writers to get busy, especially during these MCO days when words can help to lift the mood. The Malaysian Poetry Writing Competition is now open for submissions.
Submissions must be unpublished original work, written in English and not longer than 40 lines. This competition is open to Malaysian citizens of all ages.
“Poetry is generally thought to be of less interest to readers when compared to the other more popular genres like short stories and novels. However, I believe that there is still keen interest in reading and writing poetry. Besides the traditional notions of writing poems, today there is a lot of interest in spoken word poetry. As such, the poetry scene has become livelier, ” says educator/writer Professor Malachi Edwin Vethamani, who chairs the organising committee.
Pix for representational purpose only
PETALING JAYA: Shortcomings such as low testing and vaccination rates have been cited as reasons for an expected surge in the number of Covid-19 infections in the next few weeks.
The situation is further exacerbated by the entry of new and more virulent strains of the virus, said health experts.
Last Saturday, Health Ministry
Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah warned that the number of new cases per day could rise to 5,000 by mid-May and 6,000 to 7,000 by the end of the month.
Noor Hisham said with more infectious strains entering the country, more young people are falling ill.
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(Bloomberg) Singapore Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat stepped aside as the designated successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, a surprise move that will likely push back a long-telegraphed power transition in the city-state.
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