09/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Perennial allure of pantun

Public showcase on tekat traditional embroidery KUALA LUMPUR: “Inspired by TEKAT”, a visual arts showcase reimagining Malaysia’s traditional tekat embroidery, offers the public an opportunity to experience contemporary interpretations of the heritage craft. Running from May 8 to 31, the exhibition will take place at Temu House in Petaling Jaya. The event is an inaugural project under social enterprise 3R Media’s Arts Heritage Artists programme, dedicated to honouring and sustaining Malaysia’s artistic heritage with the support of Yayasan Hasanah through the Arts for All Seasons grant. Tekat , with its origins going back to the 15th century Malacca Sultanate, is a traditional Malay embroidery art form that involves meticulously couching gold or silver threads over a raised fabric foundation to create elaborate motifs. Project director Lina Tan said in a statement the showcase was conceived to make heritage art forms more accessible and sustainable for wider audiences. She said the exhibition includes demonstrations, talks by artists and interactive sessions, giving visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the craft and its makers. “We hope audiences visiting the ‘Inspired by TEKAT’ showcase will not only appreciate the craftsmanship behind tekat but also imagine new possibilities for its future.” The showcase brings together nine contemporary artists, namely Afiza Abubakar, Chau Xhien, Daisy Ooi, Hannah Nazamil, Nadirah Zakariya, Ummi Junid, Xeem Noor, Yann and Yante Ismail. It also features fashion and design students from the Malaysian Institute of Art, including lecturer Wan Nor Atikah and students Ariane Paul, Lee Rong Ze, Natalia Hilliker, Russell Chin, See Ru Thern, Siti Humaira Sheik Sharufuddin, Tan Jing Xuan and Yong Ru Yee. Yayasan Hasanah managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said the collaboration reflects how the foundation supports the arts not just through funding but by enabling meaningful exchanges among artisans, artists and young practitioners. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Although the use of Malay pantun in daily conversation may have declined over time, the heritage art form remains very much alive and relevant, especially in official ceremonies and prestigious events, reflecting the enduring strength of Malay cultural values across generations. Commonly featured in traditional customs such as weddings and engagement ceremonies, pantun continues to serve as a form of linguistic metaphor rich with implied meaning. Efforts to preserve and strengthen the art form are also being carried out through various platforms, including competitions and cultural programmes aimed at ensuring its continued appreciation among the young generation. Cultural experts believe initiatives to revitalise the nation’s heritage, including the Hawana-DBP Pantun Festival 2026 organised by Bernama and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), have the potential to attract greater public interest in the beauty of pantun . Although pantun is no longer practised as widely as during the era of the Malay Sultanates, experts say it still plays an important role as a subtle and value-driven medium of communication in society. Universiti Teknologi Mara Culture, Academy of Language Studies senior lecturer Nor Azita Che Din said pantun would continue to survive and evolve in line with changing times. “ Pantun is not merely a collection of rhythmic words but a vehicle of thought that combines the values, knowledge and philosophy of life of the Malay community. It educates speakers to convey meaning in a courteous and civilised manner, reflecting maturity in thought,” she said. According to her, the uniqueness of pantun lies in its figurative delivery, allowing criticism or satire to be expressed tactfully without offending others, Bernama reported. However, she stressed that new approaches are needed to ensure pantun remains relevant, particularly among young audiences. “ Pantun needs to be brought to life through platforms that are more accessible to the young generation, such as social media, music and o Focus on heritage Malay poetic narration art form at special event in KL today

wider,” Nor Azita said. The Hawana-DBP Pantun Festival 2026, now in its second year, will be held today at the Sari Stage, Jalan Conlay Craft Complex, in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2026. This year’s competition features participation from RTM, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, TV3, Astro Audio News, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Media Selangor and Bernama. DPB language planner Azimin Daud said pantun competitions should be viewed as platforms for rebuilding language culture rather than mere entertainment. “Such an approach could cultivate interest and awareness about the importance of beautiful and civilised language. The Malay language will remain strong if it is used consciously, not only for communication but also to convey meaning and values,” he said. Meanwhile, national language and literary figure Senator Awang Sariyan acknowledged that some modern pantun , especially spontaneous ones, are losing their aesthetic and intellectual depth due to changes in today’s lifestyle and communication habits.

The Hawana-DBP Pantun Festival 2026 will be held today from 9.00am to 5.00pm at the Sari Stage, Jalan Conlay Craft Complex in Kuala Lumpur.

“There are pantun s that merely play on rhymes such as ‘pen merah, pen biru, you marah, I love you,’ which carry little meaning or value and are merely jokes. “In the past, people had more space to reflect and think deeply before expressing ideas through pantun , proverbs and poetry. Today, not only is interest in deep thinking declining, but the space for reflection is also becoming narrower,” said the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation professor emeritus. Awang, who is holder of the UiTM Malay Rulers’ Chair, stressed that digital technology should not be viewed as a threat, but rather as a means to expand the use of pantun and preserve its aesthetic value for future generations.

digital content. This opens space for more creative and interactive ways to elevate the beauty of this heritage art. “We do not want pantun to merely be recognised as heritage, but to continue being understood and appreciated as a living culture. If it is not adapted to the times, pantun may still be known, but it will lose its significance in society’s practices.” She added that the media also has an important role in reviving interest in the heritage art form. “ Pantun competitions may seem ordinary, but when they are promoted through media platforms such as social media, short sketches, television and news broadcasts, they can have a significant impact in elevating the value of this heritage because the reach becomes much