KUCHING: The Ministry of National Unity has received a certification from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for organising the ‘Most Participants Wearing Ethnic Attire In Event’ and ‘Most Ethnic Cultural Display In An Exhibition’ programmes.
Both programmes are part of the activities for the National Unity Week celebration at the Kuching Waterfront from May 20 to 26.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the recognition from MBOR for both categories is not just for the sake of acknowledgment, but demonstrates the closeness, harmony and strong unity among the multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-religious people.
“This is what we call unity in diversity,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a total of 2,471 registered entries were recorded in the ‘Most Participants Wearing Ethnic Attire In Event’ category.
The category received participation from preschoolers, school students, higher education institute students, Rukun Tetangga Areas (KRT) communities, members of the public and various agencies.
Among the attires showcased for the programme were traditional Malay attire from each state in Peninsular Malaysia (such as Puteri Perak, Kebaya Nyonya, Malay Indian, Malay Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Kebaya Perlis, Malay Kelantan, Bugis); Chinese ethnic attire, including cheongsam, samfoo, changsan, and baba-nyonya; Indian ethnic attire, including sari, lehenga choli, salwar kameez (Punjabi suit), anarkali, kurta, dhoti, sherwani, jippa and kaili; Serani ethnic attire, and Orang Asli Mah Meri attire.
Meanwhile, ethnic constumes from Sarawak were also shown from various ethnic groups namely Jati Miriek, Lun Bawang, Kedayan, Iban, Salako Rara, Melanau, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang, Orang Ulu, Punan, Vaie, Ulu Kelabit, Bidayuh Serian and Keringkam,
From Sabah, ethnic attire from Sabah include Kadazan, Murut and Bajau.
For the ‘Most Ethnic Cultural Display In An Exhibition’ category, a total of 17 ethnic groups participated, making it the largest ethnic participation in a cultural exhibition ever held in Malaysia.
The ethnic groups involved were the Malays, Melanau, Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang, Chinese, Iban, Lunbawang, Bidayuh, Kedayan, Indian, Bugis, Vaie, Salako Rara, Jatti Miriek, Kadazan Dusun, Murut Rungus and Orang Asli Mah Meri.
Earlier, the MBOR certification was presented to Aaron by MBOR research analyst Siti Nurhanim Mohd Noh.
