SOME TOWERING MALAYS(IANS) ARE CREATED "MORE EQUAL"

Provide the evidence

Link :TheStar -- Where is the proof that overt Hindu and Buddhist elements exist in the mak yong to deem the Kelantanese dance theatre un-Islamic?

Cultural experts have challenged the Kelantan Government to provide sufficient evidence to back their decision to ban Malay folk traditions on the grounds that such arts contain un-Islamic influences.
Universiti Malaya Professor of Ethnochoreology and Ethnomusicology Dr Mohd Anis Md Nor said the State Government should be brave enough to back up its claims.
"The ban speaks of insecurity. Our culture goes back many, many years.
He said the Pas Government was taking the religious aspect too seriously, forgetting that Malaysia had attained great heights because of the fusion of religion and culture.
"Pas is in total confusion when it comes to culture.
"They do not see that Malaysia is a successful country because of the good balance that exists here.

I hate to disappoint you Dr Mohd Aris, PAS is not the only government in total confusion when it comes to cultural issues. The federal government has also failed to recognize the contribution of Malaysia’s internationally best known dance guru (a recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Artist Award, 1999 and Lifetime Achievement Award in the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2003).

Ramli Ibrahim has been in the international and local forefront, promoting Indian classical dance styles of the Bharata Natyam and Odissi. Even though these forms may have had their origins from within the Hindu temples and courts of South India, today it has crossed religious and racial boundaries.

The Indian and the performing arts community have a reason to be upset with the federal government for failing to award this dance maestro publicly. Can it be that promoting “cross culture religious” tolerance where - a Malay performing an Indian dance in the international arena is rated lower than -- a Chinese shoe maker promoting his shoes in London or a well known Malay artist promoting his craft at Langkawi or even a Chinese actress plying her talents in Hollywood and Hong Kong?

Breakthrough for Ramli Ibrahim

Link : NST -- A new documentary on dance maestro Ramli Ibrahim's tour of India in December 2005 has just been completed.

“When we knew that we were going to perform at some of the best venues for performing arts in India, I thought that it would be very interesting to document or record the triumphs and tribulations of this Malaysian dance company in its effort to bring back Indian classical dance to its source,” said Ramli in an interview.
Despite his long years of experience, Ramli said touring India was no easy feat. “We had travel by train and carry our own bags and the sets,” he said.