KUALA LUMPUR: Arts can be capitalised as a powerful tool to nurture positive values and enhance unity among people from different races and ethnicities in the country.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said arts also reflected the multiracial and multi-ethnic society, which have existed for so long in Malaysia.
“For art enthusiasts representing various races and cultures in the country, they are able and committed to produce artworks, which represent the beauty and diversity of the country.
“I believe it is not easy to produce artwork, which is capable to represent the diversity of the nation that is made up of more than 100 ethics and sub-ethnic groups in the country.”
Dr Mahathir was speaking at the launching of the exhibition entitled ‘Splendours of Malaysia: Paintings of Ethnic Cultures of the Land’ at the Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gokkai Malaysia (SGM) here today.
Present were the exhibition advisor Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim and SGM president Michael Kok Fook On.
The exhibition, said Dr Mahathir, would also served as a platform to promote the various cultures, architectures, costumes, tradition and customs in the country.
“This event is important for the people to learn about their background, culture and the different ethnic groups that in calculate positive values and ties among people from various races,” he said.
This exhibition featured a total of 44 artworks by artist, Ismail Embong, a notable figure in the Malay and Islamic World and a National Art Consultant, and his daughter Fatimah Rohani or famously knowns as Emma Maembong.
The exhibition, which started on Oct 13 will end on Dec 2.