KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that efforts to empower the country’s economy will not be complete if they are not accompanied by strengthening culture, art and values that are the pillars of the integrity of the multi-racial society.
As such, the Prime Minister said that efforts to drive the country’s economic growth must be implemented in line with the agenda to empower culture.
“Our core is economic empowerment and its sustainability, but what we want to develop is humanity. Therefore economic empowerment must be in line with cultural empowerment.
“We need to develop values and humanity and show our readiness,” he said when officiating the Malaysian Culture Festival (FBM) at Lake Tasik Titiwangsa, here on Saturday (Sept 13).
Also present at the launch were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Chief Secretary to the government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
On the successful implementation of the FBM, Anwar described this festival as not only illustrating the greatness of Malaysia but also showcasing the strength of cultural diversity in this country.
“Our strength is in diversity. Our greatness (also) is because of our willingness to accept everything from our national heritage, tribes, races and many more. They all have their own strengths and exhibit their own beauty,” he said.
Tiong said the festival is not just an entertainment event, but a living manifestation of the heritage of the various races in Malaysia that celebrates diversity in an atmosphere of harmony, respect, love and kindness.
“The participation of people from various backgrounds reflects the spirit of Madani which unites the people in a bond of unity, thus preserving the harmony and sustainability of the country’s culture,” he said.
More than 300,000 visitors are expected to attend the FBM 2025, following the school holidays, making it one of the biggest arts and cultural events of the year.
The five-day festival will take place from September 12 to 16 at Taman Titiwangsa Lake, Kuala Lumpur, starting at 8am to midnight.
Among the main attractions include International Level Games, National Level Competitions, Booths & Exhibitions, Malaysian Drum Gala Performances, Multi-Racial Cultural Performances and Performances by Top Local Artists.
