SIBU: People who want to preserve any aspect of their culture and traditions or complain about incorrect performance of their traditional dances can ask the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara) to act on the matter, Deputy Infor­mation, Com­muni­cation and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said yesterday.The ministry wanted to ensure that what was preserved was genuine or the original, he told Bernama.

Salang said there had been complaints that the Iban  traditional “Ngajat” dance had not been performed according to the original style by non-Dayak groups and that it was sometimes performed to the “Joget” tune instead of the traditional “Gong” music.

He said those who had watched such incorrect presentation could contact Aswara with the hope of immediately rectifying the situation.

Salang, who is the Julau member of parliament, said those who wished to have certain aspects of their culture and traditions preserved could also get in touch with Aswara.

“Malaysia is very rich in the cultures and traditions of many different racial groups. We want to preserve all these for the sake of the coming generations.

“Then, too, when we talk of Malaysian culture, it is inclusive of the cultures from Sabah and Sarawak and not just those found in Peninsular Malaysia alone,” he said.

Salang visited Rh Saong in Sungai Strass near here on Saturday night where he officiated at the 10th anniversary celebration of the 26-door longhouse. — Bernama