Tag - Culture

KOTA KINABALU: The Permata Seni programme, aimed at developing the talents of children with potentials in the field of culture at the young age, may be extended to Sabah. National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) Director-General Datuk Norliza Rofli said the programme was perceived to be capable of playing a role in highlighting the rich dance culture in Sabah. She said the proposal would be referred to the wife of the prime minister, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also the patron of Permata Seni soon. “The proposal to create the Permata Seni programme in the states had already been made. “We can see that there are several children in Sabah who are very talented and we can set up the Permata Seni Sabah, insya-Allah we can bring the motion to Datin Seri (Rosmah),” she told reporters after the National Culture Guidance Programme festival here on Friday night. Also present at the festival were Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and Sabah JKKN Director Jasmi Rasit. Masidi in his closing speech urged the National Culture and Arts Department to include more Sabah traditional dances in their performances and programmes in Peninsular Malaysia. He said Sabah has over 30 ethnics speaking over 50 dialects, and exposing more of their unique traditional dances in the Peninsular would provide the rest of the country a glimpse of the State’s rich and diversified culture. “Apart from the amazing flora and fauna found in the our natural environment, visitors have often said they loved coming to Sabah due to the colourful culture and warmness of its people. “Promoting traditional dances is important, as part of our effort to ensure the continuation and survival of our cultural heritage among the younger generation,” he said. A total of 270 students from the most outstanding participating schools in Sabah gave their performance at the festival, accompanied by dancers from the famed Permata Seni Tari Kuala Lumpur. Apart from traditional dances, the programme also gave participating students the opportunity to learn or improve their skills in music, silat and theatre. For this year, 59 primary schools, 49 secondary schools and 11 other organizations from Sabah and Labuan took part in the programme. Source : Borneo Post

BEAUFORT: Traditional festivals are the best platforms to foster greater unity besides promoting the state’s rich cultures. It is also an avenue to educate the young, especially on their roots, as well as learning their ancestors’ culture and tradition, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. “The state government through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry recognises and welcomes such festivals as it will help get the people to learn of each others’ cultures and traditions, thus fostering closer ties among one another,” he said. Speaking when launching the Festival Bagandang at the tamu ground here yesterday, Musa said the event would offer strength and create harmony among the people who come from different backgrounds, in the state. Thousands of people thronged the event to join in the various programmes lined up. Bagandang means drumming. The Festival celebrates traditional musical instruments in Sabah such as the kulintangan or mini brass gongs played during weddings. This event is organised to educate the younger generation about age old tradition. It will showcase the culture of the Bisaya, Lundayeh, Murut and Brunei people. This year’s theme is Bersatu Memartabatkan Budaya (Unity to Uphold Culture). Source : Borneo Post