Cultural Heritage Must Be Kept Alive, Not Merely Remembered
SERI MANJUNG, 24 October 2026 – Arts and cultural heritage must continue to be preserved and kept alive in people’s daily lives, particularly among younger generations, to ensure that the nation’s cultural treasures are not sidelined amid rapid development and technological advancements.
Manjung District Chief, Toh Seri Bijaya Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Datuk Shaharudin Nazari, said heritage was not merely a legacy of the past, but a responsibility entrusted to each generation, preserving the wisdom, values and experiences of their ancestors in shaping the identity of society.
He said poetry, folk songs and traditional stories not only reflected the lives of earlier generations but also served as a means of conveying advice, human values and experiences that should be passed down to future generations.
“Heritage should not merely be remembered through stories, but must continue to be kept alive in our thoughts, practices and daily lives.
“We can move forward in pursuit of progress, explore knowledge and master technology. However, we must not allow these advancements to distance us from our cultural roots. Instead, let progress become a means of introducing our nation’s cultural treasures to the world, rather than an excuse to neglect our heritage,” he said.
He was speaking at the officiating ceremony of Malam Kalam Warisan, held in conjunction with the 2026 International Poetry and Folk Song Festival (PULARA) at Dataran MADANI Seri Manjung yesterday.
Also present was Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff.
Shaharudin said arts rooted in the lives of ordinary people had the power to unite communities, strengthen human relationships and serve as a bridge of understanding among people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
He said the selection of Manjung District as the host of PULARA 2026 also provided an opportunity for the local community to showcase its unique heritage, including handicrafts, traditional cuisine and artistic expressions that reflected the cultural identity of Perak.
“When universities and communities come together, they build relationships that not only enrich knowledge but also foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for local heritage,” he said.
He added that various programmes, including PULARA Masuk Kampung and Titian Budaya, enabled the festival to reach local communities and bridge the gap between academia and community life.
Shaharudin said the festival also had the potential to support local economic activities and cultural tourism, while providing opportunities for communities to share and introduce their cultural heritage to a wider audience.
He expressed hope that collaboration between universities, arts practitioners and local communities would continue to ensure that cultural heritage remained vibrant and was passed down to future generations.
Malam Kalam Warisan was further enlivened by artistic performances featuring emerging talent Shasha, Prof. Dr. Habib Zarbaliyev from Azerbaijan, Dr. Zabidin Ismail, Ustazah Sharifah Khasif and Man Bai.
