Kuala Lumpur - The traditional wedding ceremonies of the various ethnic groups should be preserved to promote unity and attract more tourists to the country, said film producer/director, Senator Tan Sri Jins Shamsudin.
He said the effort would also make the younger generation realise that Malaysia had a rich, unique cultural heritage in this aspect compared to other countries, and which they should be proud of.
"We can also draw more tourists to our country as this is a new experience for them," he told reporters after visiting an exhibition-cum-cultural event on "Ethnic Traditional Weddings in Malaysia" at the Central Market here today.
Seven couples from different races took part in a mock presentation of the traditional weddings of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Punjabis, Orang Asli and other ethnic groups from Sabah and Sarawak.
The event is organised by the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Arts and Culture Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Also present were veteran actor/comedian Datuk Aziz Satar, 82, and his wife Datin Hashimah Delan, in her 40`s, who got married last year.
Jins said such an event could be meaningful for the younger generation as they could not only see the different traditions but also learn to respect and appreciate more the customs and traditions of others.
"It can help strengthen racial unity in this unique country which is multiculturel and also multireligious," he said, adding that he hoped the event would be held at a national-level in future.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Arts and Culture Department director Noorsiah Sabri said her department would try to organise more events to promote the cultures and traditions of Malaysia`s ethnic groups.
A visitor, Martin Jawad, 60, said the cultural event at the Central Market was not only colourful, but a new and interesting experience for him.
Source: www.bernama.com.my (31 Desember 2007)
