ASEAN SPIRIT EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS MALAYSIA’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN UNITY, INTEGRATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) – The ongoing ASEAN Spirit Exhibition at the National Museum here not only showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of ASEAN countries but also highlights Malaysia’s achievements in national unity and multiracial integration.

Minister of National Unity, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the National Museum, as an institution preserving the country’s history and heritage, plays a vital role in educating the public and reinforcing the spirit of unity and national identity.

“Through an inclusive and interactive approach, the National Museum has successfully become a cultural meeting point – a space where all Malaysians, regardless of background, can gather, learn, and appreciate the richness of our shared history,” he said.

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He said this when officiating the ASEAN Spirit Exhibition, the Karya Agung Exhibition, and the Aidilfitri open house organised by the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) here today.

The ASEAN Spirit Exhibition, which began last Monday and runs until August 31, is being held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and features 120 cultural items representing various ASEAN member states.

Meanwhile, the Karya Agung Exhibition, which began on April 15 and continues until June 30, showcases an array of traditional crafts by artisans from diverse ethnic backgrounds. These include masterful works by eight National Craft Icons (Tokoh Kraf Negara) and 22 Craft Masters (Adiguru Kraf).

Aaron noted that JMM, particularly the National Museum, has lined up 138 engaging programmes throughout the year – including exhibitions, workshops, and community activities – aimed not only at informing the public but also building bridges across generations and communities.

He also announced that the collection The Birth of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Archives about the Formation of ASEAN, 1967–1976), jointly nominated by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, was officially recognised under UNESCO’s Memory of the World International Register on April 17 in Paris.

He said the ASEAN Declaration dated August 8, 1967, from the National Archives of Malaysia, was among the key documents that contributed to the listing.

“Also recognised under the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register is The Works of Hamzah Fansuri, a literary masterpiece of 16th-century Malay literature, jointly nominated by the National Library of Malaysia and the National Library of Indonesia.

“This recognition is highly significant for Malaysia as the current ASEAN Chair,” he added.

-- BERNAMA