KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s martial art of “silat” has been successfully inscribed under the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
The recognition was given at the 14th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently held in Bogota, Colombia.
In a statement today, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said that the decision was made by the body, which comprises 24 committee members from elected member states.
“It is a world-class recognition for silat to be enlisted by Unesco, as it is one of the country’s most enduring cultural heritage treasures.
“The recognition will also reflect Malaysia’s commitment to protecting the world’s heritage,” he said.
Mohamaddin said that the nomination of silat as an intangible cultural heritage was made on March 30, last year.
He noted that the recognition follows the inclusion of ‘Mak Yong’ in the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ (Originally Proclaimed 2005) during the third session held in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2008.
This was followed by the inclusion of the ‘Dondang Sayang’ in the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ during 13th Session in Port Louis, Mauritius, last year.
Mohamaddin said the recognition of silat will further strengthen Malaysia’s relationship with Unesco member states, and enable the inclusion of more of the country’s priceless cultural heritage practices in the future.
The Malaysian delegation to the conference is led by National Heritage Department director-general Mesran Mohd Yusop; who is accompanied by deputy permanent delegate of Malaysia to Unesco Zuraini Abidin; and National Silat Federation of Malaysia (Pesaka) president Tan Sri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam. – Bernama