By Saiful Bahri Kamaruddin
Pix Abd Ra’ai Osman

BANGI, 5 April 2015 – Poetry titled ‘Who Never Guessed’ penned by Abd Razak Hussein became the paen of choice of Vice Chancellor of The National University of Malaysia (UKM) Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali which he  recited at a poetry-reciting session organized by UKM and the Utusan Malaysia newspaper here today.

Prof Noor Azlan, who was evidently excited at sharing the stage of the ‘Poetry Stars’ event with at least 15 other reciters, said  it was the first time he was reading poerty in a public event since he ventured into academia.

Feeling proud to be with artists, a  statesman and entertainers in the historic event, Prof Noor Azlan said he took the time to do the preparation and training despite his very busy schedule.

However, said the Vice-Chancellor, he was keen to raise the standards of  poetry-reading as a way to express his feelings.

“The event was very meaningful with the presence of Datuk Seri Hasan Malek, the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism with fellow artists and media,” he said in his welcoming remarks.

The poem ‘To My Mother’s Grave’ composed by Datuk Usman Awang was the minister’s choice at the reading.

” ‘To My Mother’s Grave’ has often been said to be very close to the National Laureate’s heart because it touches the feelings, emotions and human values ​​and family embedded in every verse of the poem,” said the  MP of Kuala Pilah.

The ‘Poetry Stars ’ event was not just an opportunity for popular artists to share their artistic feelings through poetry, but also a chance for politicians, academics, entertainers and athletes to be artistic.

Besides Hasan, among the orators who went on stage was the actor   Khalid Salleh; actress Rita Rudaini; Johan As’ari and Yana Samsudin.

In addition, acclainmed singer Datuk Hattan; actor Ezzaty Abdullah; Ana  Raffali and Ezad Lazim each presented a poem of their choice.

Popular Terengganu singer Awang Abdullah @ Pui Chin Gee also entertained the guests with his latest composition at the event which lasted for two hours.

Not to be left out was weightlifting champion, Mohd. Hafifi Mansor who won Malaysia’s first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the 69 kilogram category.

Meanwhile, each of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Datin Dr Noor Aziah Mohd. Awal and Prof Ir. Datuk Dr. Riza Atiq Abdullah OK Rahmat (Academic and International Affairs), made their artistic contributions as well.

This event received support from the corporate sector such as  Hitachi, LG – Data Storage Inc which were  committed to supporting literary events.