KUANTAN – A strong synergy between the country’s leaders, rulers and scholars can help in the production of quality works that would benefit the world’s civilisations, said Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Tunku Azizah said Muslims were taught to appreciate knowledge, skills and capabilities, as proven during the Islamic Golden Age, where the strong support of the sultans and kings such as in providing infrastructure had enabled scholars to produce high-quality works and technology.
Her Majesty said the palaces also contributed to development of the arts as they maintained the traditional forms and works of art of the community in their respective kingdoms.
“Crafts such as weaving and songket symbolise the beauty of art through the combination of experience, imagination and emotions. All the relevant equipment and artworks produced during the Islamic civilisation are evidence of the high level of knowledge and civilisation.”
Tunku Azizah said this in her address at the royal conference and signing of cooperation between Pahang Museum and nine institutions, which, among others, aimed to introduce the Al-Sultan Abdullah History and Civilisation Centre (AL-ASAR) which was established on March 22, this year.
Tunku Azizah cited Tenun Pahang (Pahang Weave) which developed with the support of Tengku Ampuan Besar Tunku Meriam in 1904 and later revived due to her (Tunku Azizah) interest and efforts to popularise the Pahang woven silk fabric abroad.
On AL-ASAR, the Queen said the research centre had a great responsibility of ensuring the continuity of the knowledge and traditions, besides boosting the people’s patriotic spirit.
The Queen added that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah as patron of the research centre, also hoped that the establishment of AL-ASAR would complement the role of the museums not only as an education and reference centre, but to allow Malaysia’s, especially Pahang’s historical and cultural materials, to be explored and understood in depth.
“Museums as institutions under the auspices of the palaces are not only tourist attractions and artefact conservation centres but by assisting scholars in their research work, could become institutions of knowledge.
“AL-ASAR also serves as a cultural and arts centre which showcases the artworks and creativity of the locals. These artworks, created based on knowledge, skills and experience can help make the research centre unique and impressive,” said Tunku Azizah.
Her Majesty said all quarters including parents have a role in nurturing young people’s interest in history that need to be learned and emulated to shape a better future.
“I, for one, cooperate with the museums not out of compulsion but my own interest as my father often took me to the museums. History is also my favourite subject. History makes us what we are today,” said Tunku Azizah.
