SERDANG, 1 Okt (Bernama) – Culture Congress should be revived to give vigor to the Malay values which are fading fast within the society, said the Special Adviser to the Malaysian Government on socio-cultural matters, Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim
He said that the congress, last held in 1971, is important as the Malay society today shows lack of interest in its own culture, language and arts.
“We have long been enveloped by the modern lifestyle that we have forgotten who we are. Thus, I urge that the Malays should take note of article 160 in the Federal Constitution on Malay adat and culture.
“When their culture dies, the Malay people will lose their identity in their own country” he said to the reporters during the Keris and Malay Cultural Heritage Festival held at the Malay Heritage Museum, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on Saturday.
He said that his team is working on a collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Department, local universities and relevant government departments to hold a Cultural Congress which is expected to be held next year.
Rais also requested the government to consider an additional budget for the National Heritage Department in 2017 Budget which is to be presented at the parliament this 21st October.
He added that it would motivate the department to boost its endeavor in conserving and promoting national heritage as enshrined in the National Heritage Act 2005.
Rais said the Keris and Malay Cultural Heritage Festival is an exemplary effort to expose the younger generation to the Malay history, culture and arts.
The three-day event, from 30th September until 2nd of October 2016, covered a wide range of activities which include a demonstration of keris making, keris competition, martial arts performance, traditional sport games, exhibitions and handmade crafts sale.Date of Input: | Updated: | ewan
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM Serdang,
Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia