Snowdan: Ensure culture, arts and heritage passed down to younger generation
KUCHING: The culture, arts and heritage of ethnic groups in Sarawak need to be passed down to the younger generation in order for them to preserve their respective cultural identities, said Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said in this regard, those from the older generation need to play their part towards realising this.
“In Sarawak, we have 34 ethnic groups including the Orang Ulu. The older generation has a vital role in preserving our heritage and culture especially among the youths.
“For example in the art of dance, each ethnic group has its own traditional dances, musical instruments and handicrafts. We should teach our children all these things so that the culture and heritage would not cease to exist,” he said.
Snowdan said this when officiating the inaugural ‘Malam Perpaduan Etnik Orang Ulu Sarawak’ held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association premises in Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here Saturday night.
The event was organised by Pertubuhan Warisan Kebudayaan Orang Ulu Sarawak (Pewakous).
Adding on, the deputy minister also called on Sarawakian students pursuing their studies in Peninsular Malaysia or abroad to don their respective traditional attire to showcase their cultural identity.
“If you’re from Sarawak, whether you’re Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Malay or Melanau, bring your traditional attire to your universities,” he said.
At the event, Snowdan and Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang pledged RM30,000 and RM10,000, respectively, to Pewakous to support the association in promoting Orang Ulu culture and heritage.
Also present was Pewakous patron Datin Sri Hau Ngo.