Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said poets should produce poems that incorporated relevant futuristic aspects with the past.

He said this was because Generation Y and Generation X no longer liked poetry as an art, but rather poetry that was relevant.

“Art is something that should reflect the local situation and environment which surround our lives. We should dedicate our service to the place where we settle and make a living.

“Great works in foreign countries, the generation are moulded to give high appreciation to its poetry lovers.

“We should not drown in a small cocoon. Poets must be realistic, an important molecule in life,” he said when speaking during the closing ceremony of the 6th Pangkor International Poems and Folk Songs Festival at Arena Pulau Pangkor yesterday.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir and his wife Saripah Zulkipli, state secretary Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan and several state executive councillors.

Ahmad Zahid said holding Pulara not only attracted poetry lovers, but also improved the area’s economy.

He said it was reasonable for him to assist in the allocation for the programme so as not to burden the state government.

“Let me not mention the figures because it is subjective, but let me give one-third or half of the cost (the cost of hosting). For sure the MB (menteri besar) would be happy to attract more foreign friends to the event here,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Pulara 6 provided the similarities and diversities of the backgrounds and cultures of the people.

“I am amazed that support has not only come from art lovers, but all the people of Pangkor from various cultural backgrounds,” he said.

During the ceremony, Ahmad Zahid and Zambry each recited a poem, and the audience was also treated to a folk songs performance.

The festival which began on Dec 3 involved the participation of about 300 writers from home and abroad, among them from Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore.

- Bernama