Preserving our identity

A strategic national resource

IT has been some time since the Mak Yong dance was staged. Some might even be forgiven for thinking it had ceased to exist. The lifting of a 28-year-old ban on it, therefore, is a revival of sorts. It’s also opening the floodgates (in a good way) for the return of other art forms, which had for so long been stifled after the ban, such as wayang kulit, kuda kepang, boria, dikir barat, cak lempong (a traditional dance accompanied by a gong-like instrument), dabus or warrior dance of Perak and others.

A laudable move, indeed, because arts and culture are the essence of a vibrant society. They are expressed in the many ways we narrate our stories, and how we celebrate the present or remember the past. They “illuminate our lives and enrich our emotional world” — we need this in today’s fast-paced Internet-driven world.

Consider Mak Yong — it was declared a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2005 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). How could we not cherish such a recognition? Many have worked hard to keep this ancient art alive, and as cultural activist Eddin Khoo says, Mak Yong is more than just an art form, “it captures the history of Kelantan and is reflective of a woman’s place in society”. While he commends the lifting of the ban, he says there are still restrictions, and adds a community cannot be afraid of its shadow, history or culture.

The intrinsic value of culture is a strategic national resource that has an impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education. It gives a sense of identity; preserving it should be a lifelong commitment. It’s good to be proud of your heritage and culture, so says a schoolmarm to her young students during an assembly one morning.

But how do we revive the waning interest, especially among the younger generation? The most obvious would be to expose students of all age groups to the art forms during their extracurricular sessions. Have them research the subject, encourage cultural plays, invite cultural experts to give talks and promote it among foreign students.

Non-governmental organisations, enthusiasts and local councils should hold an arts and culture month. Breathe new life into Citrawarna, or the Colours of Malaysia festival — use it to stage cultural shows. Citrawarna was introduced in 1999 to promote and celebrate the nation’s arts, heritage, nature and culture, but over the years, it has become a mundane routine.

Throughout the world, arts and culture define countries. They have been maintained and handed down from one generation to another. They help connect the masses and build communities — intermarriages, for instance, are common in a community that is rich in culture, just like our multiracial Malaysia. So let’s keep our culture and tradition alive, it does wonders for our DNA and strengthens our foundation, just like Winston Churchill used to say: “A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.”

The intrinsic value of culture is a strategic national resource that has an impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education.