Culture and arts dept, Aswara told to set up etiquette school

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SEREMBAN: The National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) and National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) have been instructed to set up a school of etiquette to imbue noble values and build good character in members of society.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the move was also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s aspiration for noble values such as volunteerism be inculcated among Malaysians of various races.

“Many a time, we come across Malaysians as being impolite like not saying ‘please’, ‘excuse me’ or ‘thank you’.

“But who is to be blamed? We could say it started from the home and school.

“Considering this aspect of Malaysians, I earnestly want Aswara and the JKKN offices throughout the country to teach our children to be polite and cultured,” he said at the opening of the Negeri Sembilan JKKN Complex, here. yesterday.

Rais said the school needed not have formal classrooms but would suffice with teachers and scholars teaching and spreading such values in society.

He said the move was important to ensure Malaysia attained progressive civilisation with the practice of noble values and culture.

The JKKN Complex, completed in 2009, has two blocks which were built with Minangkabau architectural features.

The various facilities provided at the complex include an auditorium, dance studio, theatre, music studio, recording room, seminar hall and a courtyard to hold various activities.

Also present were state Tourism, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Razi Kail, Information, Communications and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf and JKKN director-general Datuk Norliza Rofli. — Bernama