P. Ramlee's enduring legacy a beacon of national unity, says deputy minister
She said P. Ramlee's lifetime creative works transcended racial and religious boundaries, depicting the lives of ordinary people with profound humanity, including love, mutual respect, looking out for one another and a strong sense of family.
'I believe messages of unity reflected in the works of P. Ramlee, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, will continue to be remembered, remain relevant and serve as a beacon for the harmony of Malaysia Madani.
'This aligns with the government's aspiration to foster a united Madani society that is respectful of one another, regardless of race, culture, or religion. P. Ramlee has left us with a timeless legacy through his creative works and brilliant ideas,' she said when officiating the closing ceremony of Minggu Kenangan P. Ramlee: 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' and the music forum 'Kisah Di Sebalik Lagu' here today.
According to her, messages of harmony, unity, cooperation, and mutual respect were brilliantly captured and highlighted in the artiste's works.
Also present were National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, Penang P.Ramle Fan Club president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff and renowned lyricist Datuk Habsah Hassan.
Various programmes were lined up throughout the event, including a lecture by preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias, better known as Ustaz Kazim, titled 'Sedangkan Lidah Lagi Tergigit' on May 24 and the 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' run on May 25 at Padang Kota Lama.
Saraswathy elaborated that the programme aligns well with the aspirations of Ikhtiar 4 under the National Unity Ministry's 2025 Strategic Plan, particularly within the Socio-Cultural Community Cluster: Semarak Perpaduan, which aims to deepen appreciation for national heritage, instil pride in cultural identity and strengthen bonds among Malaysia's multiracial communities through the arts and shared history.
'Besides that, collaboration and partnership in organising such programmes are crucial in efforts to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and corporate bodies to collaborate in forming similar partnerships for the benefit of society and the nation.
'May the National Archives' aspiration to disseminate information and strengthen public understanding of unity through the messages conveyed in P. Ramlee's works be successfully realised. It is hoped that through these efforts, the spirit of cohesion and harmony among the Malaysia Madani society can be preserved,' she added. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
13 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
An authentic taste of Hong Kong at Sheung Wan in PJ
Sheung Wan Noodle House's Shunde-style hot pot gives one a true taste of Hong Kong's famous Cantonese cuisine. (Daniyal Goh pic) PETALING JAYA : It's a common enough sight – people gathered around a table, all eyes on the steaming hot pot at the centre as morsels of meat and seafood are dropped into a flavourful broth, to be dished out later for all to share. Should you be in the mood for some mealtime fun, head to Sheung Wan Noodle House, a true culinary gem that brings the authentic Cantonese flavours of Hong Kong to Malaysia. Previously located in Cheras, the new restaurant has been in operation for only 11 months, yet already draws in crowds that occupy every table on weekends. And yes, they don't only sell noodles here, their hot pot is a crowd-puller. Owner Laura Lee, a Malaysian who grew up in Hong Kong, said the restaurant is her way of sharing a passion for the food she loves. And the menu she has curated showcases a commitment to quality that is rare to find elsewhere. Sheung Wan's signature wantan noodles are springy, delicious and reasonably priced. (Daniyal Goh pic) While Sheung Wan is best known for its Shunde-style hot pot, Hong Kong braised beef and wanton noodles, it's the attention to detail and specially imported ingredients that truly set it apart. If you're wondering just how much a meal here would set you back, you'll be pleased to know that prices are reasonable for such quality: a bowl of their signature wantan noodles costs just RM17.80. The sourcing of ingredients is a major focus. 'The wantan mee noodles are shipped in daily from Hong Kong. It does not have the same consistency as the noodles made in Malaysia,' Lee said. The century eggs, sourced from Hong Kong, have a creamy yolk and mild flavour. (Daniyal Goh pic) Another lip smacking menu item is the century eggs. A far cry from those typically found here, these too are sourced from Hong Kong. Their mild flavour and creamy yolk are so impressive that even those who have an aversion to them, will enjoy it. Meanwhile, the fish and cuttlefish balls for the hot pot have a wonderfully springy texture, a testament to skilful preparation that avoids the mushy result of over-processing. 'The fish and cuttlefish balls, as well as tofu are imported from Shunde, a region in China, famous for their Cantonese-style cuisine,' Lee said, adding that in Cantonese, it is spelt 'shun tak'. The Shunde fish curd has a unique texture and flavour and is a 'must' if you're enjoying the hot pot. (Daniyal Goh pic) For hot pot enthusiasts, the Shunde fish curd is an absolute must-try. Unlike local tofu, its unique texture and flavour are perfect for soaking up the rich broth. The broth itself is a labour of love, crafted by simmering a remarkable 5kg of sea garoupa fish bones and fish heads for hours. While every dish is a standout, the beef offal hot pot is the undisputed star. This masterpiece includes perfectly cooked stomach, tendon, intestines, brisket, and beef balls. Even if you're not a fan of offal, do give Sheung Wan's beef offal hot pot a taste – there is a depth of flavour and texture here that is absolutely heavenly. (Daniyal Goh pic) The offal is prepared with so much care that there is no hint of any off-putting odour. And the meat is so tender, it literally melts in your mouth. Paired with a thick, almost gelatinous gravy packed with flavour, this dish alone makes the visit here worthwhile. And for dessert, try the Street Egg Waffle, a common street food in Hong Kong with a crispy crust and a soft inside served with butter and kaya. The Street Egg Waffle is light, flavourful and great for sharing – besides looking rather pretty on the plate. (Daniyal Goh pic) For drinks, their Yinyong (coffee + tea) and Lai Cha (milk tea) are favourites that many drop by to savour, Lee said with a smile. Sheung Wan Noodle House is more than just a restaurant; it's a taste of home for its owner and a transportive experience for those who have a meal there. Lee's dedication to authentic flavours and premium ingredients shines through in every bite, offering an unforgettable Cantonese meal that brings the streets of Hong Kong and Shunde, in particular, right to your table. Phang Lok (left) and Laura Lee are the business partners of Sheung Wan Noodle House in Damansara Uptown. (Daniyal Goh pic) Sheung Wan Noodle House 5, Jalan SS 21/56b Damansara Utama Petaling Jaya Contact: 017-640 9931 Business hours: 11am-9pm (Monday to Friday) 10am-9pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Young neurodivergent artists shine in HUGEart exhibition
An eye-catching selection of works by young neurodivergent artists at the 'Voices Through Colours' exhibition. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) KUALA LUMPUR : It was a joyful and unforgettable afternoon for 24 young neurodivergent artists as their creations took centre stage in a public exhibition for all to admire. 'Voices Through Colours', featuring artwork from children and teenagers with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodivergent profiles, was held at Manja Restaurant on Lorong Raja Chulan here on Aug 9. The exhibition was organised by Malar Sinnadurai, founder of the HUGEart initiative and Children's Art Studio, and a long-time advocate of empowering children through arts education. The upper floor of Manja Restaurant was transformed into an arts space that showcased the many vibrantly coloured and lushly detailed works from the artists, whose ages range from seven to 21. Organiser Malar Sinnadurai believes all young people should be given the chance to shine. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) From adorable animals and cute cartoon characters to iconic landmarks and abstract creations, the artworks showcased a wide variety of subjects. Many of the young artists were present, and delighted in showing off their creations to friends, family and other visitors. 'These children with special needs are good in expressing themselves through art, and not so much words. By looking at what they make, you can look into their worlds. 'I'm amazed by their talent and creativity,' Malar told FMT Lifestyle. The artworks showcased a variety of topics and creative techniques. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) She explained that the goal was to raise awareness about children with special needs by showcasing their talents, while empowering them with a platform through which they could express themselves and grow in confidence. 'We also strive to support their journey towards financial independence by creating opportunities for them to earn from their art, to help them build self-worth and even future savings,' Malar added. One of the young artists was Sree Durga, who has autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She is an experienced artist, having previously won the Mitsubishi Excellence Award (2024/2025) for her works. The 10-year-old proudly showed off her creation, a lush acrylic piece called 'Friends in Outfits Passing through the Enchanted Garden'. Sree Durga with her painting 'Friends in Outfits Passing through the Enchanted Garden'. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) She expressed through her mother that she was happy to have her art displayed for visitors to see. Malar declared the exhibition a success, noting that more than a quarter of the 52 paintings on display had been sold within three hours, with strong interest in additional purchases even after the event ended. She added that HUGEart has been actively collaborating with schools and organisations to help children gain confidence and express themselves. These include the START programme; the Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation; and Fashion with Autism Rules, a project by JK Signature that showcases the talents of individuals with autism through creativity and style. Ten-year-old Muhammad Tuah Izqandar with his work 'Giraffe in 3D World'. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) 'Art is not just drawing or painting: it is expression, healing, and hope,' Malar concluded. 'Every child, no matter their background or ability, deserves a chance to shine.' Follow HUGEart on Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
These uniquely M'sian food plushies are melting hearts
All eight Malaysian food-themed plushies by 'Chubbies' are irresistibly cute. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : Nasi lemak you can't 'bungkus'. Curry puffs you can't eat. Ice cream potong that never melts. Disappointed? Don't be because you can curl up with them in bed instead. That's the idea behind Chubbies, the first and only local plushie brand, inspired by Malaysia's best-loved foods. Started last year by couple Ian Gan Ming Zhi and Jess Ho Mun Yan, Chubbies adds a local twist to plushies, from their designs to their cheeky names. Their first creation? 'Cara the curry puff'. This local brand was founded by couple Ian Gan Ming Zhi and Jess Ho Mun Yan. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) 'In 2022, we were in Bangkok, just casually browsing in a mall, when we came across some food plushies,' Gan, 31, told FMT Lifestyle. That's when inspiration hit. 'Being such a food-centric country, it felt strange that nothing like this existed here,' Gan added. 'For a long time, the two of us had wanted to create something meaningful. We've always had a bunch of hobbies so we thought, this is a great idea to pour our hearts into,' Ho, 29, said. Although they're manufactured overseas, each plushie is designed in-house by Gan himself, armed with just his iPad and pen. With corporate backgrounds, neither had experience in design or anything remotely as cute as plushies. Still, they pushed on. Their first creation, Cara the curry puff, remains their best-seller. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) And don't be fooled, making plushies is serious business. 'When we first created the character, it was ugly,' Gan admitted. 'It was so bad – weird twirls, the wrong colours, odd proportions, eyes far apart, and we even had to figure out the right level of squishiness.' He said it was quite an interesting process because you had to know how textiles worked in order to create a well-crafted plushie with a pleasing design and the right amount of 'squeeze'. And guess what? Their curry puff plushie is still their best-seller. From there came another Malaysian staple: nasi lemak, affectionately named Nyle, complete with anchovies and peanuts embroidered on the back. 'Our nasi lemak plushie doesn't have an egg, because he donated his egg to Ravi the roti telur,' Ho shared with a laugh. Gan and Ho recently redesigned their plushies as bag charms. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) The couple also wanted to add a drink into the mix, but bubble tea and cup plushies had been done to death. So, they opted for something unmistakably Malaysian: teh ikat tepi, personified as Talia. And just to up the charm factor, they gave all their plushies adorably cross-eyed gazes. They now have eight plushies in their collection, including Sophie the Seri Muka, Ollie the Otak-otak, and their newest addition, Polly the ice cream potong. Ho shared that the best part about starting Chubbies has been the customer interactions and stories. 'One of our customers bought a nasi lemak plushie for her friend who was on a diet but craving nasi lemak,' she revealed. 'During Ramadan, we even get comments saying our social media posts of plushies are too tempting.' Chubbies is on track to expand their range of Malaysian food-themed plushies. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) Chubbies has also won over mums, who share them with their kids, take playful 'eating' photos, or hang the plushies on school bags. 'When someone receives our plushie, I hope they feel joy, and happy that they have something unique and Malaysian. I also hope they feel hungry!' Gan said. And with the craze over Labubu plush toys and bag charms, Chubbies has now added a little tag to each plushie so it can be hung. In the future, the couple hopes to expand Chubbies to include custom designs and even giant plushies big enough to fill your bed. So, if you're struggling to control your cravings, you might want to grab a Chubbies plushie instead! Follow Chubbies on Instagram Shop online or find them at: TWIGS Bookshop, Sunway 163 Mall Unit 1F-12, First Floor, Sunway 163 Mall 8, Jalan Kiara Mont Kiara 50480 Kuala Lumpur GiftPortals, One Utama Shopping Centre 2nd Floor, S1028 1 Utama Shopping Centre No. 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama Bandar Utama Petaling Jaya
