By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Dec 21 — Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari was bestowed the prestigious Outstanding Young Leadership Perdana Award today in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting and enhancing the book culture in Malaysia.
The award was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the National Book Awards 2023 ceremony today, held at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjong Malim, Perak.
Amirudin has played a pivotal role in encouraging a reading culture among Malaysians, including by expanding and promoting key events like the Selangor International Book Fair.
Its most recent event, held from December 1 to 10 at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre, saw the attendance of more than 250,000 visitors.
Additionally, Amirudin’s support was instrumental in establishing a bookstore under the initiative of Inisiatif Buku Darul Ehsan (IBDE).
The complete list of award recipients is as follows:
- Perdana Award: Outstanding Young Leadership in Honouring National Book Development – Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari
- Perdana (Premier) Award: Prolific Leadership Figure in Honouring the Nation’s Books – Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali
- Perdana Award: Eminent Scholar of the Malay World in Honouring the Nation’s Books – Datuk Prof Emeritus Osman Bakar
- Prolific Publisher (Government Agency) – Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)
- Perdana Special Award: Best Strategic Partner in Honouring the National Book Industry – National Professors Council
- Special Award: Driver of the National Book Industry – National Book Council of Malaysia
- Perdana Award: Best Publisher (Government Department) – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
- Prolific Publisher (Non-Governmental Organisation) – Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia Press
- Prolific Publisher (University Publisher) – Pejabat Karang Mengarang UPSI (UPSI publisher)
- Best Luxury Book – 30 Techno Dreams by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation
- Prolific Publisher (Private Firm) – Telaga Biru Sdn Bhd
