KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- The spirit of the National Month is expressed not only by flying the Jalur Gemilang but also through appreciation of cultural heritage and creative arts among the community.
The community’s participation in various events organised in their neighbourhoods also provides parents with a platform to instil patriotism in their children in a more relaxed, creative and enjoyable setting.
For Normaizan Mohd Salleh, 45, her participation in a decorative arrangement competition, in which she created a tanjak (traditional Malay headgear), hibiscus and keris using fabric, headscarves and prayer mats, was not only an effort to promote cultural heritage but also an opportunity to introduce the spirit of independence to her four children.
She said her participation in the event also gave her children an opportunity to see first-hand efforts to promote cultural heritage in the spirit of the National Day celebrations.
“This is my way of celebrating independence, while also giving my children an opportunity to learn about and familiarise themselves with our cultural heritage and symbols associated with independence,” she told Bernama.
Normaizan, who won first place in the decorative arrangement competition, spoke to Bernama at the Jiwa Merdeka Indera Mahkota programme organised by Pertubuhan Wanita Anggun Inspirasi Kuantan (WANGI) here today.
Normaizan said her participation in the programme also encouraged her third child, Asfa Nur Nelydhia Hasmisham, 11, to take part in the independence-themed traditional attire competition.
“My daughter wore traditional attire combining Malay and Chinese elements as a symbol of cultural diversity and harmony among the country’s multiracial society, and she won third place today,” she said.
Nur Syamimi Abdul Razak, 33, said she encouraged her daughter, Nur Nabilah Sumayyah Mohd Hassan Hafiz, 11, to participate in the independence-themed traditional attire competition to expose her to the role of the young generations as custodians of the country’s cultural heritage and identity.
She said the participation of young people, particularly Gen Z, in cultural and independence-themed activities could help them discover the uniqueness of local heritage while fostering pride in their national identity.
“My daughter wore a Puteri Perak outfit showcasing the traditional elements and unique culture of the state. Through participation in activities like this, she can learn about traditional attire and appreciate our heritage,” she said, adding that Nur Nabilah emerged champion in her category.
Meanwhile, WANGI chairperson Farahida Fauzi said apart from promoting cultural heritage, the programme also served as a platform to foster unity among the multi-racial members of the local community.
She said the activities organised included traditional games, colouring competitions, e-sports, and a Merdeka quiz.
“This is our initiative to strengthen ties and bring the community closer so that we can embrace the spirit of independence together and appreciate the cultural diversity that forms the country’s identity.
“Through the Jiwa Merdeka programme, we also want to convey the message that independence gives us freedom in various aspects, including freedom of expression, the freedom to live comfortably and to interact with one another regardless of race or background,” she said.
-- BERNAMA