OUR DIVERSITY FASCINATES PRINCE
Sultan Nazrin hosts Prince Charles during tour of Islamic Arts Museum
PRINCE of Wales Prince Charles kicked off his maiden visit to Malaysia by visiting the Islamic Arts Museum yesterday. The event was hosted by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Prince Charles toured the museum’s permanent gallery, where he was briefed on Islamic exhibitions by its head curator, Dr Heba Nayel Barakat.
Heba said Prince Charles was attentive during the tour of the museum, asking questions and showing a keen interest in calligraphy-themed exhibitions.
In a brief ceremony later, Sultan Nazrin welcomed Prince Charles to Malaysia and said the visit, in celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, was a celebration of great occasion made more special by the visit.
Prince Charles said he had always been fascinated by Malaysia’s rich cultural, religious and racial diversity, which was something to be cherished and celebrated.
“The setting for today’s (yesterday’s) reception could hardly be more appropriate.
“The Islamic Arts Museum is the most wonderful celebration of the great diversity of traditions in Islamic arts and the rich variety of influences that have shaped it over the centuries.
“I am delighted that the museum has such strong connections with my own School of Traditional Arts, which aims to ensure that traditional arts and skills continue to enrich our changing world.”
Present was British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell
Prince Charles said the museum served as a reminder of how important it was for societies to preserve and be proud of their cultural heritage.
He also wished a happy birthday to Sultan Nazrin, whose official birthday falls today.
During the ceremony, Prince Charles unveiled his gift to the museum, a framed signature of his in calligraphy. The museum gifted him a large calligraphy artwork of blue hues.
Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Sarawak and Penang, and participate in events over seven days, from Nov 2.