Putrajaya- All the best and brightest of Malaysia’s colours descended here last night in a dazzling display of culture and tradition, showcasing the diversity of the country’s ethnic groups.
In its ninth year running, Citrawarna Malaysia, or Colours of Malaysia 2007, did not fail to enrapture some 10,000 spectators, most of whom were tourists, foreign travel agents and members of the media, who watched the cultural performances on a specially-built stage in front of the stately Palace of Justice courthouse.
Citrawarna Malaysia is the country’s main cultural festival, and a major event on the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 calendar.
This year, it is themed "Millions of Colours, Millions of Smiles".
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the event, which was televised live on RTM2.
He said the success of Malaysia’s tourism industry depended on how well Malaysians represented their country.
"The government has set in place policies for the tourism industry to flourish.
"But success depends on how Malaysians respond, not only to the programmes, but throughout the whole year, by showing our visitors that as a multiracial people, we can get along with each other and have respect for one another, even though we are from different races," he said.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the festival this year was to mark Malaysia’s 50 years of independence.
Earlier, the prime minister arrived at the venue preceded by 50 cyclists bearing flags to symbolise Malaysia’s 50th Merdeka.
As he announced the start of the programme, a burst of fireworks lighted the night sky.
The show began with a poetry recital on Independence by a group of multiracial children, followed by a thunderous performance of drums from each of the three major races — Chinese drums, Malay rebana and Indian tabla.
The three races also showcased their unique dances — zapin and joget by the Malays, the lion, ribbon, swords, and lantern dances by the Chinese, and the bharatanatyam dance by the Indians.
The indigenous tribes of Ma- laysia were not forgotten — the "medicine man" ritual dance of the Orang Asli depicting their traditional lives in the forest was also performed, as was the Sabah harvest festival dance and the Sarawak warrior dance.
Even minority communities, like the Portuguese and the Siamese, were given the opportunities to showcase their costumes and dances.
Nearing the end of the event, the flags of the 14 states and federal territories of Malaysia were unveiled, before a brilliant show of lights, pyrotechnics and a grand fireworks finale capped the night.
However, Citrawarna Malaysia is not yet over.
Related events such as art and craft exhibitions and a cuisine fest, the "Citarasa Malaysia" will go on at various shopping malls, hotels and other tourist spots in the Klang Valley until June 24.
Source: www.nst.com (30 Mei 2007)
