Don’t Dispute If Malaysian, Indonesian Culture Overlap - Rais

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysian and Indonesian culture, language and arts have many similarities since time immemorial as the people of the two countries are of the Malay stock, said Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

"Therefore, there should be no dispute between Malaysians and Indonesians over such similarities as the people of these two neighbouring countries have blood and historical ties," he said after receiving a visit from 19 journalists from Bukit Tinggi, Padang, Indonesia at his office, here, Tuesday.

He cited the kuda kepang dance of Johor as being similar to the kuda kepang dance of Jokjakarta. "This is no plagiarism," he said.

Rais said narrow-mindedness over the cultural similarities would only be a loss to both countries.

"If there are people who are narrow-minded over this, we should educate them. Through Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), we can initiate efforts to join the two cultures," he said.

Rais said his ministry would cooperate with the Indonesian authorities to organise a cultural programme to be held alternately here and in West Sumatra each year.

On the postponement of American singer Beyonce's performance which was scheduled for this Saturday, Rais said his ministry had not been informed the reason for the postponement.

He said there was no reason to prevent Beyonce from performing here if she adhered to the conditions and regulations.

Source: http://www.bernama.com
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27494734@N07/3146752017/

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