AFTER three days of festivities, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), together with the Penang government, concluded the Citra Mutiara Festival today at Lebuh Armenian in George Town.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the closing ceremony, congratulated Motac deputy secretary-general Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff and all parties involved in organising the event.
“Congratulations to all parties who have made this festival a success, particularly the organising committee, Federal and state government agencies, local authorities, arts and culture practitioners, the community, and the participants,” Chow said.
He also further highlighted Penang’s rich heritage and its strong cultural identity.
“Our strength lies in our living heritage, the history, arts, culture, cuisine, customs, and community life that shape the identity of this state,” Chow stated.
The Chief Minister added that the festival, now in its second year, plays an important role in bringing Penang’s heritage into the spotlight.
“It is not merely a festival or a performance stage, but a platform to revitalise Penang’s heritage and introduce it to both the local community and visitors,” he said.
This year’s efforts to strengthen the state’s heritage have also been further intensified, including through the recognition of several festivals as part of Penang’s intangible cultural heritage, as well as similar recognition for various historical sites.
“Through performing arts, music, dance, handicrafts, heritage cuisine, and various forms of cultural expression, Festival Citra Mutiara provides a space for community artists to become active participants, heirs and driving forces of heritage.
“We do not want our heritage to remain a historical record, as it must continue to thrive within the community,” Chow emphasised.
The closing ceremony featured several performances, ranging from colourful and lively dances to a live performance depicting Malaysia’s independence.
Held from Sept 11 to 13, the festival aimed to highlight the uniqueness of Penang and strengthen its cultural identity through various activities, including performances, competitions and demonstrations.
Motac’s Cultural Sector Support Grant totalled RM920,000 for the implementation of the various activities.
The event was graced by the presence of the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
Other notable state and Federal officials present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, National Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris, Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister Lim Hui Ying, State Deputy Secretary (Development) Mohamed Abdul Rahman, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and JKKN Penang director Eezmadyna Azalin Nordin.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Photos by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat