Bandar tun razak: Weddings are usually celebrated according to each community's traditions, but five couples from different backgrounds chose a unique way to honour their unions by sharing one stage at the Mahligai Harmoni Festival of Bandar Tun Razak Parliament today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event, which celebrated cultural diversity and togetherness, brought together couples of different ages and backgrounds in a joyful showcase of love and unity. Chinese couple Ken Ong, 60, and his wife Joyce Au, 54, said their participation was not only to mark their 28th wedding anniversary, but also to show support for harmony in a multiracial society.
'My wife and I had planned to celebrate our 28th anniversary when close friends invited us to join this festival. We thought, why not support it? Besides getting 'married again', we can also help strengthen national unity,' said Ken, describing the experience as new and exciting. Although it was their first time taking part in such an event, he said it was well worth it, especially as his wife had carefully prepared for the occasion, including making her own attire.
Young Malay couple Muhammad Hamizan Hasrul Nizam, 19, and Idla Ilyana Idris, 22, said celebrating together on one stage felt different from a conventional wedding ceremony. 'Usually one couple has one wedding, but when many couples celebrate together like this, it feels different and enjoyable. We also get to see the wedding customs of other communities, from food preparations to traditional attire,' he said.
Indian couple Vimalan Velayutham, 32, and Kumarivalli Mariappan, 31, said programmes like this should be expanded as they can bring communities together in a festive and happy atmosphere. Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said the festival, themed 'Unity Through Tradition', reflected the reality of Malaysia's plural society and served not only as a display of cultural heritage, but also as a symbol of national unity.
'Through exposure to the customs and traditions of various communities, we can nurture mutual understanding and respect. This is in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises translating unity into action, including through culture-based programmes that bring people closer together,' he said. Looking ahead, Chiew expressed hope that similar programmes would continue on a larger scale and become a platform to educate younger generations to appreciate the country's rich cultural diversity.