Performers to showcase nation’s history and identity at Malaysia Day event
KUCHING: As the state capital prepares to host the Malaysia Day celebration, Sarawakian performers are looking forward to celebrating the nation’s history and identity through a cultural showcase.
Dance instructor Mavis Lim said she was proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent Sarawak’s Chinese community through dance as part of the Malaysia Day cultural performance.
“For me, the most meaningful part is being able to celebrate our differences while standing together as Malaysians.
“Malaysia is made up of so many cultures, languages and traditions. I feel that the performing arts is one of the most beautiful ways to bring people together.
“We may come from different cultural backgrounds, but on a stage like this, we are all sharing one celebration and one Malaysian identity,” she said when met at the full-dress rehearsal at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Monday night.
Lim was also happy to share the stage with younger dancers, saying the experience would promote mutual understanding and appreciation of Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
“Malaysia Day is not just about celebrating a country. It is about celebrating the people, cultures and stories that make Malaysia what it is, and I am very proud to be both a Sarawakian and a Malaysian,” she said.
Mohd Firdaus Materang, who will perform in the pre-show before the official programme starts, said he was similarly proud and honoured to play a part in the celebration.
He said Malaysia Day was a significant occasion for all Malaysians to remember the nation’s formation on Sept 16, 1963.
“It’s also an occasion for us to present Malaysia’s diverse cultures and languages to the public, especially the younger generation, so that they will continue to appreciate the spirit behind Malaysia’s formation,” he said.
Meanwhile, musical director Zakaria Hassan said considerable effort had gone into preparing a performance based on the celebration’s theme, “Malaysiaku Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati (Shared Prosperity)”.
“We want to ensure that the musical reflects the struggles of our forefathers as well as the development we enjoy today.
“This is the legacy that we want to leave for future generations as we celebrate Malaysia Day,” he said.
As a Sarawakian, Zakaria said being involved in the celebration was particularly meaningful to him.
“Sarawak has contributed so much to Malaysia’s formation, progress, peace and harmony,” he said.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who inspected the full-dress rehearsal, said final preparations were proceeding well.
Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will be the guest of honour at tonight’s celebration, together with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The opening performance, themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur Segulai Sejalai”, will highlight Malaysia’s cultural diversity and feature silat, hadrah, gendang pampat and a lion dance.
The celebration’s symbolic launch will include the cutting of a yellow glutinous rice cake, signing of a Malaysia Day book, raising of the Jalur Gemilang to the national anthem Negaraku and recitation of the Rukun Negara.
