Preserve Unique Identity, Rich Cultural Heritage

BERNAMA

Preserve Unique Identity, Rich Cultural Heritage, M'sians Told

April 09, 2007 - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Monday reminded Malaysians to preserve their unique identity and rich cultural heritage from being swept away in the global changes brought about by globalisation.

"If we are not careful, we may probably lose our identity as a Malaysian. So be wary not to be swept away by the cultural wave sweeping through the globe.

"We must be firm in protecting our national identity and culture no matter how powerful is the sweeping changes," he said when opening the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) campus, here Monday.

Abdullah said the government's human capital development policy was not merely to acquire knowledge in science and technology but also to create a vibrant and dynamic Malaysian society, preserving the Malaysian identity and its rich cultural heritage and values.

He said moulding a true Malaysian society by upholding the culture, arts and heritage must not be ignored as they are the pillars for the future generation to cherish.

"These are our features and values that will be followed by our children and grandchildren later," he said.

In the race for materialistic wealth, he said concerted efforts must be made to ensure the Malaysian race prospered in their own mould, maintaining their own identity "in soul and spirit".

"A race is identified by its culture and tradition...this is the features that must prevail. There must be something unique to be identified," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Abdullah stressed that culture, arts and heritage must be nurtured at all times.

"In our pursuit to acquire wealth and knowledge, we must not forget our cultural heritage. We don't want to fade away in the western cultural wave sweeping through the globe now," he said.

The prime minister said some teenagers in Malaysia were aping the West in the way they dressed to the extent of their shirts and pants bearing pictures of flags of certain foreign countries.

He also said Malaysians should not only be fluent in the national language but also in its correct usage.

Abdullah hoped ASWARA would become an agency of excellence by forging academic collaborations with various parties overseas.

ASWARA is a public tertiary learning institution established for the learning and teaching, doing research, publishing academic materials and providing professional advisory services in culture, arts and heritage.

It offers courses and programmes at certificate, diploma, degree and post-degree levels in the three fields.


Quoting our PM "We must be firm in protecting our national identity and culture...", I am concern about the current issue that is prevailing in our country. Needless to say, it's the racial differences, or should I say racial misunderstanding.

One must bear in mind that our country is made up of different races and cultures, and one should respect each others' culture so as to make this land of Malaysia a prosperous and wealthy country.

It will definitely not be a win-win situation should there be any racial 'misunderstanding' amongst us all here.. We have been brought up here. We love this land.