NATIONAL unity must go beyond slogans and rhetoric, and instead be nurtured through meaningful experiences such as music and cultural performances, says Penang Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day ‘Sounds from the East’ event at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan today, Goh said music and cultural performances have the power to instil the spirit of unity in every Malaysian from a young age.
“We must continue strengthening the bonds between Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak through music and cultural exchanges.
“Through platforms like this, we can cultivate a stronger sense of unity and mutual understanding among our younger generation,” he said before officially launching the event.
With Malaysia set to celebrate its 69th National Day on Aug 31, Goh stressed that the values of unity, acceptance and respect for diversity should already be deeply rooted in every Malaysian.
“We should no longer have to constantly remind our children to be united or to accept people of different races and religions.
“After 69 years of independence, we should naturally live together in harmony as one Malaysian family,” he said.
On the event itself, Goh described Sounds from the East as a meaningful initiative jointly organised by TLM Event and Design Village Outlet Mall to showcase the rich indigenous cultures and musical traditions of East Malaysia.
The event features an array of performing groups from Sabah and Sarawak, presenting a captivating blend of healing sounds, soothing melodies and traditional cultural performances that celebrate the artistic diversity of Borneo while offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.
“We often hear about the unique cultures, food and music of Sabah and Sarawak. However, not everyone has the opportunity to visit East Malaysia, especially with the rising cost of air travel.
“That is why organising an event like this in Penang is so meaningful, as it brings the beauty of Borneo’s cultural heritage closer to the people here,” he said.
Goh also congratulated TLM Event and Design Village Outlet Mall for successfully organising what he described as a meaningful and pioneering event.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation to all partners, performers and everyone involved in making this celebration possible.
“This is the first event of its kind in Batu Kawan featuring traditional music and cultural performances from Sabah and Sarawak.
“On behalf of the Penang government, I warmly welcome more initiatives like this. Through Sounds from the East, audiences are invited to appreciate the richness of our nation’s cultural heritage through music, performances and creative activities,” he added.
Also present were Design Village chief operating officer Andy Song Chung Boon and TLM Event chief executive officer Jack Wong.
Story by Riadz Akmal