KUCHING: The cultural programme held every three months at Kuching Waterfront is believed to highlight the diversity of culture and heritage in Sarawak to the community and visitors from abroad.
General Manager at Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak (AKYBMS)/Sarawak Malay Cultural Foundation Datuk Dr. Sanib Said said various performances were showcased including traditional dance, poetry, and others.
“This is a good effort to introduce the culture of Sarawak’s Malay community to every level of society, in addition to underlining the diversity that exists in this state,” he said.
He said this while attending the Samarindok Cultural Programme: Traditional Malay Poetry at the Godown Amphitheater, Kuching Waterfront, here, yesterday (Aug 20).
Meanwhile, the head of AKYBMS Research and Culture Division Azuan Jamat took the opportunity to briefly explain the scene of the play that was performed and the message that was conveyed through the poetry.
“The story told is related to the love story between Raja Saribas (male) and Raja Kalaka (female) but only clapping one hand. Raja Saribas rejected the love, causing Raja Kalaka to do anything that resulted in the tragic death of Raja Saribas who was shot using a cannon.
“It’s not a fabricated story, but it’s all based on the manuscript of Tarsilah Cetera Abang Gudam’s poem with Temenggung Kadir Saribas.
“Thus, we hope that it can be taken to a further stage such as being shown in the form of a play or film, because it has a high historical value and is good for exposure to the younger generation,” he said.
He added that this sketch of Senandung Traditional Malay Poetry ‘Raja Kalaka dan Raja Saribas’ also uses the genre of traditional poetry that applies elements of rhymes, mantras, gurindam and pantuns in the storytelling style.
“Therefore, it can also give exposure to the audience, especially the young people to know what gurindam, poetry and so on,” he said.
In the meantime, the programme is the second of four series held throughout the year. Series 1, Gendang Melayu Sarawak was held last February 19, while Series 2, the Traditional Malay Poetry (was held last Saturday); Series 3, the Pencak Silat (to be held on October 22) and Series 4 which is Tandak Malay Sarawak (slotted for December 17).
Also present to witness the cultural performance at the Kuching Waterfront was deputy director of Community Services Department of Kuching North City Commission Rudzaimeir Malek.
