This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Karen Bong and Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 31: A captivating cultural fusion performance on stage combined Chinese festive drums, brass gongs, “ketebong” drum, and Sarawak’s Sape accompanied by the heartfelt rendition of “Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis”, performed by students from Kuching’s Chinese independent schools, left a deep impression on the Premier of Sarawak who christened this unique fusion as “Sa-Drum” and deemed it a new sound and culture in Sarawak.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, deeply moved by the students’ exceptional display of cultural fusion, regarded this performance as the greatest gift to mark Malaysia’s 66th National Day today.
“While I was seated, I was trying to figure a suitable word to reflect this scenario and in my contemplation, the term is ‘Sa-Drum’ (to encapsulate the synergy between Sape and the Chinese festive drums). This will be the new culture of our collective appreciation for the rich diversity that defines our society.
“Today Aug 31 is a special day as it is the National Day celebration. I am very impressed tonight because you played a song using Sarawak’s native traditional instrument, the Sape, accompanied by the 24 Festive Drums.
“This shows the confluence of Sarawak’s indigenous heritage and the Chinese cultural essence. Malaysia will be happy because of this cultural cohesion and understanding among the diverse race in Malaysia,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the 10th Malaysia Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (MICSS) Ball Games Championships at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) tonight.
Abang Johari shared his optimism for Malaysia’s future and ardent belief that the Sa-Drum phenomenon would stand as a legacy carried forward by the capable hands of the students.
“We shall cultivate this new culture where the native students weave melodies on the Sape, harmonising with their Chinese counterparts who command the rhythm of the drums while performing the “Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis” song.
“This is a great gift for Malaysia on Aug 31. Thank you to all for the gift,” he exclaimed.
Extending his congratulations, Abang Johari extended his appreciation to the Sarawak United Association of Chinese School Boards of Management, commending their pivotal role in orchestrating this monumental event for the first time in Kuching.
“I was informed that this convention hall is not enough to accommodate all the participants. In 2028, there will be another convention hall nearby that can cater 10,000 people. Sarawak welcomes your future visits,” he said.
The event brought together about 1,700 students representing 43 schools from across the nation. Over the course of five days, the young talents competed passionately in the sports of basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, organising chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau, Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president Dato Richard Wee were among those present. — DayakDaily
