I PARTICIPATED in an international colloquium on the problems of civilisation at Fatoni University in Pattani, southern Thailand, from Aug 4 to 6.
I felt fortunate because I could see true solidarity between the Malay peoples of the Asean countries, especially Malaysia and Thailand.
What's more important, the event was supported by the Thai authorities as well.
The colloquium was opened by the secretary-general of the Southern Provinces of Thailand, Somkiat Phoprayoon.
"Cooperation is very important and should be strengthened within the northeast region. Only in this way can we all continue to make joint and meaningful progress in various areas and aspects," he said in a speech.
These include not only the economy and tourism, but also dynamic interactions in literature, language and culture, which play an important role in the spiritual development of nations, he said.
These ideas were also voiced by the deputy chairman of the Kelantan Council on Islam and Malay Traditions (MAIK), Zulkifli Abdul Rahman.
It's hard to disagree with them. That is why Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the Kelantan Union of Malay Civilisation, the Centre for Islamic Malay Civilisation Pattani and MAIK took part in the colloquium.
The colloquium, held for the fifth time, was attended by 260 people, mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. A total of 71 papers on history, language, culture, economy and tourism were presented.
As a representative of Russia, I presented the creative works of three great Kelantan writers — Rahimidin Zahari, Aziz Deraman and Hashim Yaacob.
They are the pride of not only this state but also the country. They are known outside Malaysia, including in Russia.
Proposals were made at the colloquium to strengthen ties, in particular, to revive the activities of DBP in Thailand and establish an academy of the Malay language and culture.
Participants in the colloquium were welcomed at the Academy of Islamic and Arabic Studies of Princess Naradhiwas University, where a brief but lively exchange of views took place.
I believe many participants will remember for a long time the visit to a museum, where one could get acquainted not only with the Quran, but also with Malay culture.
I was personally fascinated by the magnificent collection of kris and ancient manuscripts.
Events like the colloquium are useful not only for the exchange of opinions but also for personal meetings.
It was here that I met once again old friends like Aziz Deraman and Rosli Matari from Malaysia, Suraiya Chapakiya and Abdul Razak from Pattani, and the Indonesian poet, Hilda Winar. And I made many new friends, too.
Pogadaev, writing from Moscow, is a former lecturer at Universiti Malaya
