Penang: The Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena this Tuesday promises a captivating opening performance that will highlight the uniqueness of Penang's cultural diversity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Production and Artistic Development Division assistant director, I Aishah Bee Arudin, stated that the performance, titled 'Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara', is crafted through a combination of three of the state's iconic traditional art forms, namely Joget Joghee, Penang Chinese Opera, and Boria. This performance is a special creation for this year's celebration and will be executed by dancers from the JKKN Cultural Troupe, Adikarma Performing Arts Group from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Guru Shri Arul Manikam Indian Dance Group, Penang Teow Chew Opera Association, and Budayasar Boria Group.
Aishah Bee explained that the performance will begin with Joget Joghee, a reflection of the spirit of social interaction, followed by the melodious tunes of Penang Chinese Opera, showcasing the historical and traditional Peranakan Chinese performing arts. The five-minute performance will conclude with Penang Boria, featuring humorous singing and dancing as a symbol of openness and harmony within society. The fusion is intended to reflect Penang's multicultural identity and its rich artistic heritage.
She further elaborated that this year's Malaysia Day celebration will feature a special 30-minute performance segment based on the theme 'Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni', presented through a blend of music and dance to highlight the unity of Malaysia's diverse communities. The performance will be headlined by renowned local artistes representing five races, namely Ella (Malay), Suki Low (Chinese), Roshini Balachandran (Indian), Rezza Shah (Sarawak), and Dabra Sia (Sabah), with all performances accompanied live by the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra (OTM) from Istana Budaya.
Aishah Bee emphasized the importance of retaining the Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni theme, which conveys nurturing in the context of arts and culture. The performances will feature patriotic works as well as popular songs to sustain audience engagement, with the selection of songs by local artistes being crucial in creating the right mood and ensuring satisfaction for all spectators.
This year, JKKN has been entrusted with coordinating the stage performances, which will involve more than 200 dancers and production crew. Preparations and rehearsals began last month, with participating groups chosen for their ability to deliver professional-level performances. References were made to previous celebrations, ensuring the mandatory element of participation from the five main races. However, the artistes involved, the repertoire, and the methods of presentation, including storyline and visual displays, aim to bring a fresh dimension to this year's celebration in Penang.