There were two striking points highlighted by Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah as she spoke to members of the press at Istana Negara this morning.
First, it was the fact that the Raja Permaisuri Agong repeatedly referred to the indigenous communities in Malaysia – better known as Orang Asal – as “orang kita” (our people).
Secondly, it was her deep commitment to preserving Malaysian heritage – which she said must be inculcated at an early age.
Dressed in a pink batik baju kurung, Tunku Azizah spoke about the upcoming ‘Malaysia’s Heritage Crafts’ exhibition, organised by Yayasan Tenun Pahang Diraja. The event will be held in conjunction with the London Craft Week, scheduled between May 6-14 at the Malaysia High Commission, in London.
It starts on the same day as the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey, in London.
This year’s event is focused on heritage crafts from Malaysia, namely weaved baskets, mats, wooden carvings, and textile products.
It will also see crafts inspired by abstract nature, where motifs in the crafts were inspired by the natural surroundings in Malaysia.
Some 14 types of crafts, including weaving techniques by the Penan and Semelai communities, and ancestral wooden carvings by the Mah Meri tribe, will be displayed. Seven master craftsmen will also be present to demonstrate their art.
This year’s event is an expansion of last year’s ‘Tenun Pahang: Weaving Hope’ – an exhibition that focused on Tenun Pahang Diraja and the work of the inmates behind the products.
“Some call them Orang Asli or Orang Asal, but I call them orang kita,” said Tunku Azizah, when speaking about the craft of the indigenous people of Malaysia.
“I hope to do my part, to show the world what we have. We should be proud of what we have,” said Tunku Azizah.
“My aim here is to preserve our heritage.”
Tunku Azizah went on to show the various types of crafts – mats, bags, and baskets – from her personal collection, as she shared stories about them. There were light moments, where those present broke into smiles or even chuckled.
The event is supported by Kraftangan Malaysia, Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah, the Sarawak government, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Sponsors include the Sarawak government, Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah, and Yayasan Al-Bukhary.
Some 5,000 people are expected to visit the nine-day event.
But the beyond the rosy atmosphere was a deep concern about the lack of appreciation of Malaysian crafts by the younger generation.
Tunku Azizah, who is passionate about the arts, crafts, gardening, and cooking, was quick to admit that the problem was also common in other parts of the world.
“We (Malaysia) have done well, but we can do more. We have to promote (heritage craft) but at the same time, we must create demand.
“When there is a demand, people, especially our youths, will see the opportunities.
“It’s my duty to do this. I do it with passion, I do it because I love craft, and because it has so much potential.”
Tunku Azizah said her interest in the arts and crafts was due to her late father, Sultan Iskandar Ismail, who often had teachers and experts explain the local arts and crafts to the royal household. She was also reminded of her days in school where students were taught basic arts and crafts, like weaving.
“We enjoyed informal and formal learning, and this has had a lasting impact on us. Every single Malaysian craft should be taught in schools, perhaps as an informal subject.
“If the children like it, they can pursue it further. There are schools in Thailand that have weaving classes over the weekends, and in Vietnam, there are local craft lessons. Perhaps, non-governmental organisations can also take part in such initiatives.”
Tunku Azizah also shared with Twentytwo13 that the Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village in Pekan, Pahang, is scheduled to be completed early next year.
The main structures in the village, occupying 4ha of land, are built on stilts to ensure it is able to withstand the annual monsoon season, and will be a hub for those who want to pursue their interest in local crafts.
There are also plans to introduce homestays, turning the centre into a tourist destination where visitors can get up close and personal in the local craft-making scene.
