MALAYSIAN DAY
Perwakilan Los Angeles (Ladies Association of Consulate General, LA), with the support of the Consulate General and Tourism Malaysia, hosted a Malaysian Day at the Consul General’s Residence on 2 June 2010. More than 50 guests from the diplomatic and local community were treated to a slice of Malaysian culture, comprising a Malay wedding, a fashion show, exhibition of Malaysian craft and a lunch of sumptuous Malaysian food.
Mrs. Kamsiah Kamaruddin, President of Perwakilan, welcomed the guests to the new Malaysian residence. She had chosen the garden as the venue to reflect the open and warm nature of Malaysians. She was proud to share such a unique and diverse culture and hope that the glimpse afforded would entice the guests to visit Malaysia.
The arrival of the groom and his entourage were heralded by the beats of kompang and procession of bunga manggar, followed by tepak sireh, sireh junjung and hantaran. The two sides then exchanged pantun and bargained for the duit tol, much to the guests’ merriment and hilarity. The bride and groom were then seated on the beautifully decorated pelamin, flankled by two pengapit. The guests later participated in the merenjis ceremony and much to their delight were rewarded with bunga telur. The merenjis was a big hit with the guests, almost all participated in the ceremony. The guests also marvelled at the wedding accoutrements, which were all handmade by members of Perwakilan.
A fashion show was also performed, displaying the grandeur and variety of songket to the audience. Mrs. Kamsiah said she chose the lesser-known songket as its sumptuous beauty, elegance and grace deserved to be celebrated and shared with the world. Nineteen pieces of songket, ranging from the traditional and modern, were displayed. Many guests were enchanted by the songket, expressing surprise that Malaysia has such a beautiful fabric and yet has not marketed it as aggressively as batik.
The highlight of the day, however, was undoubtedly the fashion show by Perwakilan’s children, looking adorable in their baju kurung and baju melayu. The children later accompanied their parents for the family segment; showing how traditional garbs were worn by modern families. As the finale, Mrs. Kamsiah, the Consul General and family came out decked in their traditional fineries.
An exhibition featuring Malaysian crafts was held throughout the event. Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and ladies of Perwakilan contributed the items. Some of the items were caklempong, rebana, wau, pewter, brass items, batik and pottery. Texts describing the items, as well as Malay marriage, from merisik to bersanding, were also displayed for the guests. Many appreciated the extra length taken to explain the items and the narration accompanying the events, as many were unfamiliar with them.
The guests were later treated to a delicious kenduri feast of home-cooked nasi lemak with rendang, fried chicken and sambal; fried meehoon, sago Melaka and ais batu campur. At the end of the day, the guests left with better knowledge of the beauty and uniqueness of the Malaysian culture.