Malaysian National Laureate facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Malaysian National Laureate (in Malay, Sasterawan Negara) is a very special award given to people who have made amazing contributions to Malay literature. It's the highest honor a writer can receive in Malaysia for their work in the Malay language. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for the best writers!

This award celebrates authors who have not only written great books, poems, or plays, but have also helped the Malay language and culture grow through their words. They inspire new generations of writers and readers.

Who Are the National Laureates?

Here is a list of the talented individuals who have received the Malaysian National Laureate award:

1981: Kamaludin Muhammad (known as Keris Mas)
1982: Dato' Shahnon Ahmad
1983: Datuk Dr. Usman Awang
1986: Datuk A. Samad Said
1988: Muhammad Dahlan Abdul Biang Andi (known as Arena Wati)
1991: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh
1993: Noordin Hassan
1996: Datuk Abdullah Hussain
2001: Syed Othman bin Syed Omar (known as S. Othman Kelantan)
2009: Dr. Anwar Ridhwan
2011: Ahmad Kamal Abdullah
2013: Datuk Baharuddin Zainal
2015: Datuk Zurinah Hassan (She was the first woman to receive this prestigious award!)
2019: Siti Zainon Ismail

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Malaysian National Laureate Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.