SHAH ALAM, 1 Oct: The State Government will place emphasis on the development of culture and art in line with the progress of other fields.
In relation to that, the organisation of a culturally diverse performance known as Pentas Selangor will be held in Klang on 26 October at the Klang National-Type (Girls) Chinese School.
The Executive Councillor for Local Government, Studies and Research, Datuk Teng Chang Khim said that it would be the second time the show is performed after the first show which took place at the same place on 1 September received overwhelming response from the public, especially the locals.
He said, it is a joint venture between the State Government and the corporate sector to expand the culture and arts of various ethnicities in Selangor.
It will also be an attraction for lovers of art and tourism, and it will be included as an event in the Selangor tourism calendar next year.
“We are holding this second show after the success of the first show. Next, we plan to put on 12 performances on a monthly basis in Klang as a start because this town is known as a cultural centre or city.
“After this, we hope to put on shows outside of Klang, particularly in Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya, because these cities have more facilities such as auditoriums and theater stages,” he said in a press conference today.
Teng said that the beginning of the show will be participated and made possible by six teams made up of the Chinese Orchestra and gendang, dancing and singing teams.
He said, the State Government hopes that it will be well received and receive the support from the people of Selangor for the further strengthening and development of the team.
He hopes that more corporate companies will participate in the programme as one of their corporate social responsibilities (CSR) for the purpose.
“The performances are culturally diverse and it is a challenge to expand it. For starters, we will highlight Chinese groups.
“When it is successful, the next plan i to expand it with Pentas Selangor changing into Pentas Utama or Pentas Perdana with the involvement of other races such as Malays, Indians, Chinese, Kadazans, Ibanese, Dayaks and so on, including sponsorship from larger corporate bodies,” he said.
In relation to provisions, he said, the State Government estimates spending about RM500,000 for the organisation of the 12 performances.
“We hope to be able to build a model for the development of art in Selangor because we usually face financial constraints in making arts activities active in Malaysia.
“We are proud with the physical developments. There are the Petronas twin towers, the largest airport, a huge port, one of the best transportation networks in the region. However, when it comes to matters of culture, we have a large space to fill,” he said.