Malaysia-Brunei Cultural Ties Soar to Greater Heights

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysia-Brunei cultural ties soar to a greater height this week through the "Titian Budaya Malaysia-Brunei" programme which showcased the unique customs and traditions of the peoples of both countries.

The programme, which culminated into a Gala Night here last night, also provided an avenue for both sides to discuss ways to widen cooperation and collaboration, such as carrying out joint training in the field of arts and culture as well as in exchange of reading materials between libraries, among others.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Brunei's Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Paduka Awang Hazair Abdullah expressed satisfaction over the three-day programme which started on Thursday.

Information Communication and Culture Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Mohammed Mohd Daud said both ministers also agreed to explore a wider cooperation under the auspices of the programme.

"The newest area of cooperation identified under the programme is in the field of research covering cultural performances, craft and the Malay customs in Malaysia and Brunei," he told Bernama when contacted.

Mohammed said the research collaboration would start as soon as possible while existing programmes would go on as usual.

Both sides also agreed to enhance ties through the exchange of documentaries between Radio Television Malaysia and Radio Television Brunei, he said.

The close ties will continue to be nurtured and reinforced with Malaysia's turn to visit Brunei through the programme two years from now.

Malaysia is committed to enhancing cultural ties with Brunei as reflected in the statement by Dr Rais during his meeting with Awang Hazair on Thursday where he expressed his wish for the ties to be further expanded.

Awang Hazair also felt that cultural exchange would help propel relations between both countries, saying it could also provide an avenue for the younger generation to promote each other's traditions.

"It is important for them to know about their cultural roots to strengthen the nation building process," he said.

The Titian Budaya (cultural bridge) programme was first held in 2006 in Brunei and the reciprocal programme, with Brunei cultural delegation and troupe visiting Malaysia, took place here from Thursday.

It showcased cultural performances from Brunei (60 per cent) and Malaysia (40 per cent).

Various programmes were also held during the three-day event, with the Gala Night at Istana Budaya being the grand finale.

In his speech at the opening the Gala Night, Rais stressed the importance of continuing with the research collaboration on Malay customs and traditions in both countries.

This would ensure continuity of both countries' culture and tradition in the context of Asean Community and in finding common features in the monarchy systems of both countries, he said.

The three-day event showcased colourful and vibrant performances featuring, among others, Brunei traditional wedding show and a medley of Brunei dances "Samalindang" and "Adun Ku Bima".

Malaysia was represented by artistes among them Andre Goh, Jamal Abdillah and Datuk David Arumugam.

On the sidelines was an exhibition showcasing numerous aspects of Bruneian cultures.

The Titian Budaya Malaysia-Brunei event here was indeed a celebration of the close cultural ties as well as the rich traditions of the peoples of both countries.

Source: http://www.antaranews.com
Photo: http://www.simplysiti.com

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