MUKAH: The role of the university should be continually strengthened not only to accumulate and impart knowledge but also as a platform for socio-cultural cooperation with the local people such as the Melanau.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Negeri Tua Melanau Seminar, Series 2, Balingian Edition at Tellian Hall of Universiti Teknologi Mara here recently, Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi, pointed out that cooperation would result in various benefits for various parties.
He was specifically referring to cooperation between Persatuan Melanau Mukah and the university in promoting local social and cultural activities to promote better understanding in the Melanau community to boost its profile.
“In all of this, the most important thing is to preserve the Melanau identity. The Melanau Research Centre is focused on the history, socio-economic and culture of the community,” he said.
Abdul Yakub also wants more programmes to be held by local Melanau associations; arts and cultural activists, and education institutions.
