HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival To Test Wit, Language, Creativity Of Media Practitioners

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival 2026, set to take place this Saturday, is not just a pantun recitation contest but also a platform to test creativity, quick thinking and language mastery among media practitioners, while promoting a traditional art form to a wider audience.

Chief judge Azimin Daud said media practitioners have an advantage in the competition, as their work exposes them to a wide range of knowledge and equips them with a strong vocabulary through continuous reading and research.

“This is what makes it unique when these skills are applied in a pantun competition. It not only tests creativity but also the ability to think spontaneously and critically,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme today.

On the judging criteria, Azimin, who is also a language planner at Akademi Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), said emphasis will be placed on language accuracy, content and logical delivery, with language and content account for 80 marks, while presentation contributes 20 marks.

He said pantun is not merely about wordplay or rhyme, but requires clarity of meaning, logic and a proper understanding of each verse.

Meanwhile, moderator of HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival 2026 Ahmad Fedtri Yahya said spontaneity is the key strength of the competition, but participants must also manage their emotions, rhythm and confidence on stage.

He said his experience winning the previous edition showed that strong preparation, teamwork and a deep appreciation of pantun are essential for an effective performance.

“Pantun needs energy and expression. Without spirit, the performance will fall flat. It is not just about attire or accessories, but the soul behind the delivery that brings the performance to life,” he said.

He added that the uniqueness of pantun lies in the ability to turn spontaneous ideas into well-structured, rhythmic and impactful lines.

The festival, organised by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) in collaboration with DBP, will be held at Panggung Sari Kompleks Kraf, and is among the lead-up events to the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration in June.

The competition offers cash prizes of RM3,000 for the champion, RM2,000 for the runner-up and RM1,000 for third place, along with trophies and certificates.

-- BERNAMA