THE Maybank Foundation-Perdana Leadership Foundation Essay Competition has kicked off once more.
In its fourth run, the essay contest carries the theme Shaping The Nation: Our Rights And Responsibilities As Malaysian Citizens.
Open to Malaysians in two categories — ages 13-17 and 18-25 — the competition is divided into two formats: Essays (up to 1,500 words) and blogposts (up to 1,000 words).
A participant may submit entries in both formats. Though narratives in either Bahasa Malaysia or English is accepted, the use of English is strongly encouraged.
Many prizes are up for grabs in the competition, including cash prize of up to RM8,000, an iPad, an e-book reader and book vouchers.
Organised by Maybank Foundation and Perdana Leadership Foundation, the contest is also supported by MPH as well as the Higher Education Ministry.
The competition was recently launched by Perdana Leadership Foundation honorary president and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In his address to a packed auditorium of around 200 people, Dr Mahathir reminded Malaysians to be mindful of the past and learn from the lessons of history.
“Do not take anything for granted. Many great civilisations declined when they forgot the values that shaped their greatness,” he said.
He also cautioned that freedom came with conditions, and Malaysians should not assume that democracy meant total freedom.
“Malaysia is not fashioned to be a liberal democracy like the West, although the core value of democracy is practised in Malaysia,” he added.
Closing date for the entries is Oct 31. For details, visit www.perdanaessaycompetition.com.my or www.perdana.org.my