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KUALA LUMPUR: The "Dondang Sayang" has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage under Unesco's Representative List says Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
"The recognition is very meaningful as the last time Malaysia was given such recognition was in 2005 for the 'Mak Yong'," said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.
He said the decision was made last Thursday (Nov 29) by a 24-member committee which convened in Mauritius recently.
He added that the Unesco recognition comes under the Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003 which Malaysia has signed and ratified.
He said the recognition would not only safeguard a national heritage but also help promote our national identity.
"Dondang Sayang" can be traced back to the 15th century Melaka Sultanate empire.
Mohamaddin said Malaysia and Indonesia are working together to get the Malay pantun recognised as an intangible cultural heritage under the convention.
On a separate issue, the minister said that Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab retired on Dec 2 (Sunday) after 36 years of service.
He added that Tourism Malaysia's senior director (International promotion division) Datuk Musa Yusof will assume the post.
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