By Melissa Heidi Amir Merale
Pictures by Abd Raai Osman and Ikhwan Hashim

BANGI, 26 April 2017 – The Cultural Congress 2017 held in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) recently, emphasized the role of culture in generating a progressive society, as an initiative to propagate National Transformation 2050 (TN50).

With the theme ‘Budaya Tinggi Paksi Tamadun Bangsa’, Socio-cultural Adviser of the Government, Tan Sri Dato ‘Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim said Malay Language should be a priority either during the teaching and learning process or in other activities.

A resolution, which was presented to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the programme, highlights the views and suggestions in implementing cultural aspects in TN50, which will be presented to the Council of Rulers.

Among the resolutions presented is defending the Constitution and the position of the Council of Rulers, lifting the Malay language as the national language, Islam as the official religion, the strengthening of Rukun Negara as pillars of the nation’s state and as well as the success and achievement of Bumiputera economy.

About 3,000 participants attended the Cultural Congress, consisting of students from higher educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government officials, the mass public, cultural activists, artists and cultural enthusiasts.