HANDICRAFT TO INTRODUCE 1MALAYSIA BATIK

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 20 (Bernama) –- Malaysia Handicraft Friday unveiled four
1Malaysia batik designs with potential for use on attire for official functions
and the 1Malaysia campaign.

Four shirt patterns, two baju kurung (traditional Malay outfit for women)
and two kebaya (a traditional blouse-dress combination worn by women) were shown
to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak design before he chaired the cabinet meeting
at his office here.

Present were Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Information
Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim and other cabinet
ministers.

The prime minister will choose one of the designs to be used on attire for
official functions.

The designer, Nazarii Maarus, said the idea was mooted by Dr Rais and he
took a month to come up with the designs.

"The designs incorporate all the races in the country, Malays, Chinese and
Indians, and the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, both East Malaysia states,
and feature songket, paisley, peacock feather, pua kumba, peony and cotton
flower motifs," he said.

The five colours used were red, blue, black, yellow and white,
said Nazarii, who has been in the trade for 26 years.

-- BERNAMA