BY LEONG Z-KEEN
KUCHING: Sarawak has set a new record in the Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR) for having the most participants wearing ethnic attire in a choreographed dance performance.
Held at the Kuching Waterfront on Sunday morning, the vibrant event saw around 1,245 participants dressing in various traditional costumes of the various ethnic groups in the state and dancing the ‘poco-poco’ to the local favourite song of “Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis”.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and other dignitaries also joined the crowd in the dance performance.
In his speech, Abang Johari took pride in witnessing an event which represented Sarawak’s harmonious community.
“It is an honour on the part of Kuching, Sarawak to organise this event, particularly when the public wear our traditional attire, reflecting our various cultures.
“I must commend this event because it will create mutual respect and mutual understanding among us.
“We need an environment where everybody can play their role and contribute to the betterment of society.”
He spoke of feeling energetic after looking at the participants despite just returning from a busy working trip.
“You all look very beautiful today. I just came back (from Kuala Lumpur) late last night, I had a dialogue with our students in Universiti Malaya (UM), I should be very tired but when I see you, I feel very energetic today,” he said.
On a related note, he congratulated Governor of Rotary International District 3310 Dr John Chan and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Hilmy Othman for the success of the event.
Earlier, Hilmy said the event encourages the people to embrace and appreciate the variety of cultures coexisting in Kuching.
“Today marks a very special day for us, as we come together to create the record for the most participants wearing ethnic attire in a choreographed dance performance in the MBOR.
“Thus, I also extend my thanks to the Rotary Club of Kuching for their commitment in fostering community spirit and cultural appreciation,” he said.
Later, Abang Johari witnessed the handover of the certificate for the record which was handed over by MBOR office manager Lee Pooi Leng to Dr Chan and Hilmy.
Among those present were Romanian Ambassador to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, Nineta Bărbulescu; Indonesian Consul General to Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono; and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad chairman Musa Abdul Malik.
