THE Arts In The Park event returned to Seri Delima with its second version this evening, attracting the participation of hundreds of Seri Delima residents.
Various activities and programmes such as batik-making, busking drum circle, and open wall canvas, were held to encourage the young and old to take part and appreciate arts.
Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the Seri Delima Arts In The Park 2.0 was a platform to promote arts among the youths.
“We have not reached our maximum potential or capacity when it comes to understanding arts and the creative world. There is still so much more to learn and appreciate,” she said in her speech today.
Syerleena also thanked the residents and voters of Seri Delima for their unwavering support of the state and her initiatives over the years.
“We have a truly muhibah community in Seri Delima. Warga Seri Delima memang cun,” she said.
Syerleena said that the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) was also present to provide more information and promote youth participation.
“We encourage youth participation; and in addition, we as adults are responsible to ensure that the development of our country is in line with the sustainable goals that we hoped for.
“Remember the great things that make us Malaysians,” she said.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who was also present, said the Penang Pakatan Harapan assemblymen had endeavoured to serve the people.
“As you can see, Syerleena has been on the ground, serving the people for the past four years,” he said.
Ramkarpal also spoke about Undi18 and the constitutional amendment, which came into force last year.
The amendment lowers the minimum voting age and age of candidacy from 21 to 18; and the law also introduces automatic voter registration.
“The Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency has about 92,000 eligible voters back in 2018, and the number of eligible voters is expected to increase to 117,000 this coming General Election,” Ramkarpal said.
In his speech, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow welcomed the public to visit and take part in the Seri Delima Arts In The Park 2.0.
“The arts festival fosters the spirit of unity and community. Families can enjoy exciting activities in such a good environment.
“Congratulations to Syerleena and her team for being creative and introducing this concept which is in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision,” he said.
Chow also thanked the Universiti Sains Malaysia Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF) for cooperating with the Seri Delima team in making the event a success.
Chow, Syerleena and Ramkarpal were also invited by MGTF director Assoc Prof Dr Hasnul Jamal Saidon to play the traditional musical instruments at the event.
Chow also managed to design a batik art on a piece of cloth at the festival.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat