Lyna Mohamad
Solidarity, commitment and sensitivity from committee members led to the successful organising of the first ever Tutong Ethnic Cultural Festival themed ‘Kebudayaan Menyatupadukan Masyarakat’ (‘Culture Unites Society’) in September, said Acting Village Head of Kampong Pengkalan Mau, Kampong Bakiau and Kampong Batang Mitus Suhili bin Alas.
He made these comments at a ceremony at the Main Hall of the Tutong District Civic Centre, which was attended by Acting Tutong District Officer Mohammad Sofian bin Haji Basri.
Suhili acknowledged the continuous support from the Tutong District Office, particularly the acting tutong district officer and the IMK team who were no less committed to seeing the active movement of mukim and village councils (MPMK).
Organised by the MPMK in the district, led by Suhili, the festival aimed to not only strengthen ties within the different ethnicities but also inculcate a value of togetherness, expose cultural knowledge to youth on their heritage and raise awareness on the importance of ethnic culture preservation, which could be an avenue for eco-tourism.
Suhili added that 10 per cent of proceeds from the festival have been donated to the Tutong District Orphans Welfare Fund.
Touching on the festival, he said it received encouraging response and was very successful.
He added that it was a showcase to the younger generation that will encourage the preservation of the diverse ethnic cultures. He also expressed hope that such cultural activities continue to be organised, such as performing invitations by corporate companies and government-linked companies during annual dinner or gala nights to help generate income for all MPMK, their members and villagers.
On this note he called on performance leaders to continue to upgrade and diversify their creativity in their performances and to enhance commercialisation.
