Hisham: Be proud of our diverse cultures

Hisham: Be proud of our diverse cultures
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/28/nation/18155823&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should be proud to be blessed with a wide variety of performing arts which reflect the diverse cultures and heritages of this country, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said last night.

The Education Minister was speaking at the gala charity night of the Festival of Cantonese Opera, that featured the world-renowned Guangdong Cantonese Opera Academy First Troupe which performed “The Power of Passion”.

What use is such diversity if it's not treasured by the ruling party UMNO, as evident in their racist outcries of bathing the keris in Chinese blood?

Hishammuddin said Malaysians should share the diverse culture and heritage and look beyond material wealth.

“Acquiring artistic skills is not easy, it needs a lot of training and discipline,” the minister said, adding that Malaysians need to acknowledge that arts bind them all together, cutting across all borders.

Perhaps UMNO cronies should also look beyond material wealth then?

Hishammuddin added that appreciation of the diverse cultures must start in school.

“Excellent academic results are not enough. Parents must also look at the importance of instilling in their children the knowledge of various cultures and heritage, and artistic skills.”

This coming from the education minister, whose ministry is embarking on nation-wide islamisation of public schools, imposing arbitrary dress codes, disallowing non-muslim canteen operators, etc.

BLA BLA BLA!