By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 9: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) has denied allegations of destroying Iban literature and books.
DBP in a statement today said the allegation, which was circulated on social media, is unfounded, untrue and may cause confusion and misunderstandings which will result in a negative impression to DBP.
“Since DBP Sarawak Branch took over the function and role of Borneo Literature Bureau (BLB) in 1977, all materials including books received from BLB amounting to 1077 titles including 444 (BLB) and 633 (Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah Collections) are still stored and can be used as a reference by researchers, writers and the public who wish to go to Koleksi Borneo DBP Sarawak branch,” it said.
According to DBP, as an agency entrusted to protect and dignifying language and literature, the agency through research and documentation of tribal languages and indigenous folklore in Sarawak has published various books on the subject throughout the years.
DBP Sarawak assures that they will continue to carry out research, conservation and publication in honouring indigenous languages, folk literature and the uniqueness found in the multi-racial community in Sarawak.
The agency hopes that the allegation circulated on social media will not hinder DBP’s efforts to continue preserving and conserving the treasures, uniqueness and culture of the Sarawak community through documentation and publishing books that will be looked upon by future generations. — DayakDaily
