School Clerk Wins BSN-DBP 2024 Drama Pantun Competition

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Despite never having participated in any acting or pantun (Malay oral poetic form) competitions, Ratna Atika Zainal Amin, 33, a clerk from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Datuk Zulkifli Muhammad, Slim River, Perak, struck gold on her first attempt, which she entered just for fun and to try something new.

 Tambun-born Ratna Atika never anticipated or had high hopes that her portrayal of Che Tom would captivate the judges and ultimately crown her as the champion of the 2024 Drama Pantun Final Competition. Organised by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the event was held at Balai Budaya Tun Syed Nasir, DBP, here last night.

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After successfully defeating five other finalists and also winning the Best Actress and Best Group categories, earning a total prize of RM6,500, Ratna Atika shared that she was inspired to join the competition after coming across it on social media.

"I performed the pantun and acted quite casually, just wanting to enjoy the experience. I honestly didn’t expect to win, as the competition from the other five participants was intense. However, I think my prior experience in theatre may have given me an edge," she said.

"During my diploma studies, I participated in theatre activities. This time, I challenged myself to both act and perform pantun simultaneously; it really gave me a completely different experience," she shared.

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The second edition of this year's Pantun Drama Competition blends the art of reciting pantun with acting, as participants perform based on scripts provided by the organising committee.

A total of 41 entries were received during the preliminary round, which took place from Aug 22 to Sept 15 online via social media.

Meanwhile, BSN Chief Operating Officer Zarir Mohd Rawi said that this programme not only empowers the Malay language and literature but also strengthens the synergy between the public and private sectors in efforts to enrich the nation's cultural heritage.

"In line with the objectives of this competition, we can see how pantun, a vital part of our cultural and artistic heritage, continues to remain relevant and can captivate the younger generation with a modern twist through stage performances.

“Programmes like this are important to ensure the continuity of the Malay language and literature amidst the increasingly challenging wave of globalisation," he added.

-- BERNAMA