'FACES OF 1MALAYSIA FESTIVAL' IN WASHINGTON TAKES OFF

By Hafizah Kamaruddin

WASHINGTON, April 12 (Bernama) -- Food. Glorious Malaysian food. Satay ayam
(grilled chicken meat), taufu bakar (grilled bean curd), roti canai (a type of
flatbread) and teh tarik (hot beverage tea) must surely top the list.

These were among the all-time Malaysian favourites prepared by Malaysian
restaurants based here, to tempt the palate of international visitors to the
'Faces of 1Malaysia' festival at the National Geographic Society's (NGS)
headquarters here on Saturday.

Food aside, Malaysia's multi-racial music and cultural performances,
complimented by a handicraft demonstration, left the visitors fascinated.

The two-day festival at NGS -- one of the largest non-profit scientific and
education institutions in the world which exhibits various exhibitions
reflecting the diversity of the world -- is the first of two segments of the
'Faces of 1Malaysia' festival.

The festival, dubbed 'Symbol of Friendship between Two Nations', is
officiated by the Malaysian Prime Minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor,
Sunday.

The second segment will be held on Tuesday at the Oreintal Ballroom of the
Mandarin Oriental Hotel here. Known as the 'Faces of 1Malaysia Gala Night', it
will be opened by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, and attended by
specially-invited guests, including United States (US) politicians.

For eight-year-old Madison Morison, her fascination lay in a demonstration
by
Kasmin Mirun, in the art of making a traditional colourful Malaysian kite.

She was intently watching Kasmin, 67, a kite maker from Baling, Kedah as the
latter skilfully designed and glued the coloured papers to make the traditional
patterns on the kite.

Earlier, Morison was a picture of fun as she painted a design on her batik
at a
batik demonstration stall nearby.

The first-hand experience in the making of Malaysian traditional craft, such
as
batik painting, kite making and gold thread embroidery or 'tekad' attracted
many to try their skill.

For Jeannie Miralri, trying out the gold thread embroidery or 'tekad' was
thrilling as a joget dance music filled the air in the background.

Tutored by Azizah Adam, a famous 'tukang (skilled artisan) tekad' from Kuala
Kangsar, Perak, Miralri learnt the basic stitches.

She described it as a "thrilling" experince although it was not as easy as
it appeared.

With more than 20 years experience in the gold thread embroidery under her
belt, Azizah's expertise lured the visitors to purchase her products which were
put on show, especially her table runner and wedding fans.

A senior citizen who simply wanted to be known as 'Israel', said the
festival put up by Malaysia had tempted him to visit the country.

"There are so many beautiful things about your country being exhibited. The
food was marvellous, and it makes me want to go and visit your country," he
said.

He said he enjoyed watching the colourful cultural performance by the Palace
of Culture, Academy of Art Culture and National Heritage dan National Heritage,
Tunas Budaya and the Sutra Dance Theatre dancers at the Gilbert H. Grosvenor
Auditorium.

Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim who
visited the festival on Saturday, said he was happy with what was highlighted
and showcased.

Representatives from Malaysia Airlines, Melaka State Economic Planning
Unit, Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation (Pahang), Sabah Tourism Board,
Johor Tourism Department, Sarawak Tourism and Negeri Sembilan Economic Planning
Unit promoted Malaysian tourist attractions.

-- BERNAMA