The arts break all racial barriers & unifies people

While MCA is a Chinese-based political party, we remain true to our founding ideals to serve all irrespective of ethnic background. Such sentiments were echoed by Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, MCA Vice President cum Chairman of the Malaysian Chinese Culture and Arts Consultative Council (MCCACC) when delivering her remarks during a certificate presentation ceremony to announce the arts exhibitors and artists for the 2nd Blossom Arts Festival Malaysia 2017.

In thanking the group exhibitor’s leader Datuk Sim Tiak Choo whose assistance ensured the smooth and faultless running of the programme, Mei Fun asserted that “although the BAFM is an arts event organised by the Malaysian Chinese community, this programme is for all. Invitations were extended to not only Chinese artists but to all other races as well to take part in the exhibition and stage performances.” Later when speaking to reporters, Mei Fun also highlighted that an arts bazaar is another feather of the BAFM.

Conveying her thanks to another artist Abdul Rashid bin Yusof, the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development also expressed her hopes that “for this year’s event, artists from other races can also take part.”

Meanwhile, she also explained the meaning behind the Chinese version of “Blossom” or “Hua Sui”. “Although the meaning is Chinese, the original word is ‘flower’ which means ‘variety’, ‘colours’: Therefore, not only Chinese but for all races.”

Officiating the event, MCA Secretary General cum Minister of International Trade and Industry II Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan likened the arts as a “soft export.” He said, “as there are no racial restrictions in the arts, in China, I saw multiracial Malaysian artists receiving a good response. This shows that the arts have no barriers.” Adding that “in Malaysia, it is important to meet the expectation of all races, unity in diversity is our strength, and the arts help the Chinese and Malays integrate and acquire more knowledge and wisdom.”

-MCA online-