Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak deems Kaul Mukah a symbol of shared identity
Sape Ensemble by YPS Sape Ambassadors during Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah.
KUCHING (May 9): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) has deemed the recent Kaul Mukah 2025 a symbol of shared identity.
During YPS' much-anticipated Konsert Malam Perpaduan, which closed the festival on April 27, YPS chief executive Datu Aloysius J Dris said such cultural platforms support social cohesion.
'Kaul is more than a festival, it is a symbol of shared identity, a time to reflect on our roots, and an opportunity to bring people together,' he said in a statement.
He said the presence of Deputy Economy Minister and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib as well as Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine underscored the government's strong support for cultural platforms that promote social cohesion.
Dris also thanked Persatuan Melanau Mukah and the organising committee for their commitment to preserving cultural traditions while fostering unity.
Memories captured with all the VIP guests, YPS Sape Ambassadors, and orchestra POTRES.
Royston praised the evening's showcase, which included youth talents.
'Congratulations to Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak for organising the Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah, which successfully showcased an array of vibrant performances, especially by young local talents, and demonstrated the strong collaboration among all parties involved to ensure the concert's smooth execution,' he said.
Royston added that the Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah has succeeded in nurturing unity in diversity by gathering local talents and featuring performances from various ethnic backgrounds, creating a space for inter-cultural interaction.
More than 800 people gathered under the stars at Tapak Kaul in Mukah to attend the concert themed 'Rhythm of Unity', which captivated the audience with a rich blend of traditional and contemporary performances celebrating Sarawak's multicultural identity.
A highlight of the night was the performance by the YPS Sape Ambassadors, whose fusion of traditional Sape melodies with modern instrumentation captivated the audience.
Adding an inspiring multicultural layer, YPS also brought in its ambassadors from Peninsular Malaysia, including an Orang Asli from Perak and an Indian performer from Selangor, who shared the stage with their Sarawakian peers.
Their performance was a vivid expression of national unity transcending geographical and ethnic lines.
The concert was not only a musical success but a meaningful platform for cultural expression and mutual understanding.
'I believe this concert successfully fostered national unity by bringing together audiences from various ethnic backgrounds,' said YPS sape ambassador Muhammad Ikhmal, who comes from the Sekapan community.
'It's a chance for us to mingle with individuals of different races, it strengthens our bonds and allows us to explore techniques in playing the sape. Beyond just performing, it teaches us to be confident, to face our audience, and creating self-assurance in what we do,' added fellow ambassador Dexter Godwin, who is Iban.
An Orang Asli YPS sape ambassador sings 'Bunga Kantat and Nanai Bengsat'.
Persatuan Melanau Mukah secretary Mazira Ramli, who also served as secretary of the Kaul Mukah 2025 main organising committee, reflected on the broader impact of the event.
'Yes, I believe this concert has succeeded in nurturing unity in diversity. Through a combination of performances across races, languages, and cultures, it not only showcased the heritage of each community but also created a space for mutual understanding and appreciation of our differences.
'The warm reception from various segments of society shows a strong interest in unity-based events. The large turnout is a testament to the event's success. This concert has effectively planted the values of tolerance, unity, and compassion among Malaysians. It is also an important platform to foster goodwill in a creative way' she added.
Stanford delivers a showstopping performance.
Internationally acclaimed singer and 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) gold medallist Stanford Ryan delivered a show-stopping performance, while the dynamic Sibu D'Tari dance troupe got the crowd moving during an interactive mengarang dance session, igniting joy and camaraderie among attendees of all ages.
In addition to the lively atmosphere on the ground, the concert garnered strong engagement online.
The live streaming of the event via YPS's official Facebook page reached 10,996 people, with 14.2K views, 463 reactions, and 84 shares as of the time of writing—an impressive digital footprint that extended the spirit of unity far beyond Mukah.
More than just a concert, Konsert Malam Perpaduan was a heartfelt tribute to Sarawak's living cultural legacy.
It stood as a reminder that music, dance, and shared experiences can weave a powerful tapestry of understanding and unity—one beat at a time.
A YPS sape ambassador from Selangor sings 'Chamkeela angeelesi' during the concert.
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