SIBU/Sarawak: Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) will soon become one of Malaysia’s ‘cultural identities’ and shall be known as such from now on.
To realize this, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage will gazette the event sometime in September, this year so that it would be part of the national rich cultural heritages.
Federal Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim said this in his text of speech read by his deputy, Datuk Mr. Wong Kam Hoong.
Wong Kam Hoong represented Dr. Rais Yatim to officiate the launching of the ‘Beats & Beauty Night’ at the BCF second night finale on Thursday evening, last week.
Dr. Rais said that it was a government policy to recognize the beauty of the nation’s diverse cultures and preserve them for present and future generation to keep and appreciate.
The minister added that not only they be made part of the nation’s arts, culture and heritage, but also as venues to bring the different races and ethnic groups together, while appreciating their cultural differences.
"That’s why we thanked our forefathers for their farsightedness in sharing our heritage by way of the ‘tolak angsur’ [tolerance and understanding] policy.
"By adopting such a stance, every race has its share and due recognition of their cultural differences in our diverse community," he said.
Pointing out different cultures that exist in other countries, he said that the way the differences were handled determined which direction they went.
"Most troubles in the world stemmed from different religions, beliefs and cultures and the misunderstanding as a result.
"Therefore, different cultures can either be an asset or they can be a liability – it’s how we manage our differences that makes the difference," he said.
Noting Sarawak’s rich culture, Rais said that there were ‘strong points’ in the ethnic groups here, including those in Sabah.
"There are good ethnic cultures here that we can be proud of and show to the world. These are the strong points in them, without any influence from the government.
"To this end, the government has adopted a policy to recognize and give due assistance through grants to improve and maintain cultural programs in Malaysia, that includes Sarawak," he said.
He added that BCF had become a cultural identity and from now on it shall be known as such.
"Like your theme tonight, this event continues to showcase the Beauty in Ethnic Diversity. And my hope is BCF will be more successful in the future."
In his speech earlier on, State Assemblyman for Nangka, Mr. Awang Bemee Ali Basah said that unity in diversity was the foundation of security and progress all these years.
He suggested that unity in diversity must be maintained and nurtured at all times.
"By showcasing the cultures of various ethnic groups we promote and ensure the continuity of growth of our rich cultural heritage, while at the same time create understanding among one another," Bemee noted.
Mr. Awang Bemmee is one of the people’s representatives in the Sarawak’s state government. Sarawak is the largest state in the Federation of Malaysia, on the northern part of Borneo Island.
Sarawak, a paradise gem in the equator, boasts of at least 27 ethnic groups living peacefully side by side for the past hundreds of century.
09/07/07
By Roger J. Duyong