Colourful Malaysia on stage

THOUSANDS of locals and tourists were treated to an unforgettable sight of our country?s heritage and harmony at the Colours of 1Malaysia celebration at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Called the Greatest Tourism Malaysia Parade, the dazzling performances were presented by some 6,000 participants from around the nation, including students, to tell the world about Malaysia?s unique arts, cultures as well as tourism products homestay programmes, food, eco-tourism and beaches.

Adding to the excitement were firework displays and a mega dikir barat peformance by 5,000 people which made it into the Malaysia Book of Records.

The event was launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and other Cabinet ministers were among the VIPs present.

Also present were 158 people from 25 countries as part of the Tourism Ministry?s Mega Fam tour, as well as American celebrity and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, who was here for a short trip. The show began with ?Gendang 1Malaysia,? a thunderous performance showcasing the wide variety of drums used in the country, including jidor, Chinese, Indian, Sarawakian and Sabahan drums along with kompang and rebana.

This was followed by the homestay parade featuring kampung-like activities, a sewang dance performance and a display of Malaysian fruits. Dr Ng said the event was one of the country?s signature events since 1999 and had contributed significantly in raising awareness worldwide about the nation?s tourism products.