08/08/2026

SATURDAY | AUG 8, 2026

6

Merdeka, Malaysia Day event to feature giant kites

Gallery serves to boost ties with Japan

IPOH: The establishment of the Razak Sensei Gallery at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) serves to preserve the legacy of the late Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid, a national educator who was known as Razak Sensei. It also serves as a symbol of peace and strengthens educational and cultural ties between Malaysia and Japan. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki said the gallery acts as a bridge connecting the two countries through education, cultural dialogue and the humanistic values that Abdul Razak advocated throughout his life. He said the choice of Aug 6 as the opening date also holds deep significance, as it coincides with the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, an event that claimed thousands of lives and profoundly changed Abdul Razak’s life. “His miraculous survival from the Hiroshima tragedy, and his courage in turning that painful experience into a lifelong commitment to peace and education, serve as examples worth emulating. “His life story reminds us that education goes far beyond merely imparting knowledge. Education is a force that shapes character, fosters mutual respect and helps build peaceful societies,” he said at the opening ceremony at the SITC Hall, Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus on Thursday. Also present at the event were the late scholar’s son Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Dzulkifli Abdul Razak and Upsi Strategic Department director Prof Dr Azmi Mohamed and 40 students from the Teikyo Kuala Lumpur Language Centre. Shikata said following his return to Malaya after World War II, Abdul Razak dedicated his life to the field of education. He became one of the pioneers in the teaching of the Japanese language and Japanese studies in Malaysia. According to him, Abdul Razak’s contributions went beyond nurturing a generation of educators and strengthening academic ties between the two countries. They also played a key role in the development of the “Look East” policy, which remains one of the fundamental pillars of Malaysia-Japan relations, Bernama reported. Upsi vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the gallery showcases 525 items from Abdul Razak’s personal belongings.

KOTA BHARU: The artistic heritage of kites, which is the identity of the Kelantan community, will colour the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations in the state. Dozens of mega kites are expected to be flown at the Cherang Laut Beach in Kampung Senok, Bachok during the Merdeka Mega Kite Competition later this month. In addition to showcasing the skills of kite makers in producing large-sized creations, the event also serves as a platform to promote traditional art as a medium to ignite the spirit of patriotism and love for the country in conjunction with the National Day celebrations. Among the participating groups is Team Sri Bongor, which is competing with two mega kites, namely a moon kite ( wau bulan ) and a cat kite, created by Mohd Norazizi Mustapha, 45, from Kampung Padang Bongor in Binjai. He said both kites, measuring between 11ft and 12ft and weighing about 3kg each, were also decorated with Jalur Gemilang colours, and took about two weeks to complete for the event, which will be held on Aug 30 and 31. “Every time Merdeka month arrives, I will participate in the kite competition. For this year, I produced the two kites based on the concept of independence as a sign of love for the country, apart from highlighting the beauty of Kelantan’s traditional kite art, which is becoming less known to the young generation,” he told Bernama recently. He said production of the two kites was also assisted by two of his friends, Wan Mohd Syamsul Maariff Mohd Halim, 35, and Muhamad Syahmi Rosdi, 31, and cost a total of about RM500. Mohd Norazizi said producing a mega kite requires technical skills, and teamwork when o Celebrations in Kelantan to include competition on beach involving 12-foot creations

Mohd Norazizi said at least eight people are needed to fly the kite, with four helping to launch it while four others manage the line. – BERNAMAPIC

opportunity to produce larger, more challenging designs. He is skilled in producing about 15 types of kites, including the moon kite, cat kite, quail kite, jala budi kite and peacock kite, with the production period depending on the level of complexity of the design. “It usually takes between a week and two months. The most challenging part is forming the frame because if it is too (heavy), the wind cannot (lift it) well and the kite will be difficult to fly.” Mohd Norazizi also said the moon kite, quail kite and cat kite were among the Kelantan heritage identities that need to be preserved so that they would not be lost to time. He also expressed hope that more youths would be interested in learning the art of kite making so that the heritage would continue and be recognised not only in the country but also internationally.

flying it due to its large size. “To fly a mega kite, at least eight individuals are needed. Four people help launch the kite while four others hold the line to ensure that the kite can be flown properly. When the wind is right and everyone plays their respective roles, only then can the kite be able to rise perfectly. That cooperation is very important,” he said. Reflecting on his involvement in the art of kite making, he said his interest began to blossom when he was in school after watching his friend’s father produce various types of kites. “That’s how I learned to start with selecting bamboo, forming the frame, tying it up and finally decorating the kite so that it is not only beautiful to look at but would also fly well.” Mohd Norazizi said his interest became more serious about five years ago when the mega kite competition was introduced by the local community, giving kite makers the