Sultan Nazrin and his consort Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim having a look at one of the paintings being sold for the fundraiser.
KUALA LUMPUR: An "Art For Donation" fundraiser for Rohingya refugees has successfully raised RM1.205mil, with Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah being one of the biggest contributors to the cause.
The Perak Ruler purchased a painting by artist Latiff Mohidin titled "Exodus", which was specially crafted for the occasion.
In his speech at the fundraising dinner held at St Regis here Tuesday, Sultan Nazrin thanked the donors and expressed hope that Malaysians will strive to help those who are less fortunate.
“It needs courage for those who are in a position of power – be they diplomats, neighbouring countries, regional groupings or world powers - to stop genocide and in the context of tonight’s event, the ongoing Rohingya genocide.
"We cannot allow fears of upsetting our neighbours, or fear of being accused of interference, or fears of affecting our regional trade and commerce to prevent us from voicing out our anxieties and alarm at what is happening in Rakhine state," he said.
Sultan Nazrin thanked those who contributed the paintings, including national artists such as Latiff, Datuk Sharifah Fatimah Syed Zubir, Ahmad Zakii Anwar and Chang Fee Ming.
He also expressed gratitude to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its Under Secretary-General Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood, for providing aid to displaced communities such as the Rohingyas.
The fundraiser, organised by The Edge Galerie, was under the patronage of Sultan Nazrin and his consort Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
A total of 15 paintings were put up for sale, with buyers selecting what they like, and donating the proceeds to IFRC.
Also present at the event were The Edge Media Group executive chairman Datuk Tong Kooi Ong and ECM Libra chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
