Strengthening our identity through cultures – Morshidi
KUCHING: Exploring one’s own cultural heritage brings forth various benefits particularly in strengthening one’s identity, said State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani.
With culture being closely related to social values, religious beliefs and customs, he pointed out that this enabled the people to interact and communicate with each other to create a sense of belonging among the different races and communities.
“It also enables us to better understand the previous generation and the history in which we came from,” he said in his text of speech read by State Library ( Pustaka) Board of Management member Dr Abdul Rahman Deen at the closing ceremony of Sarawakiana Carnival 2017 held at Pustaka here yesterday.
He noted that cultural heritage consisted of many things that covered all aspects of life of a race or community.
“We can see it in our surroundings through buildings, towns, archaeological remains as well as through natural resources. It can also be seen through the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the religion we practise and the skills we learn.
“Sometimes we can touch and see what constitutes a tangible culture but it can also sometimes be in an unrealistic or intangible form,” he remarked.
In view of this, he commended Pustaka for organising the carnival to raise awareness and preserve the local cultural heritage of Sarawakians.
This, he said, was in line with Pustaka’s role as a centre for gathering, preservation and research of information and intellectual property as well as disseminating information and knowledge.
“Some people may argue that culture or tradition is oldfashioned and no longer relevant or necessary in today’s modern times. But for others, diving into our own cultural heritage offers a variety of useful benefits that can further strengthen our identity,” he expressed.
Morshidi also called on the people to continue using library facilities which are aimed at benefitting the community.
“Although we face competition and technological changes, the function of a library is still crucial and relevant in providing the best materials and information resources.”
At the closing ceremony, Abdul Rahman presented prizes to winners of the Hadrah competition which was one of the activities held in conjunction with the three- day Sarawakiana Carnival. Also present was Pustaka chief executive officer Rashidah Bolhassan.