Dr Sim together with the organising committee, other representatives and participants of the Sarawak Southern Traditional Lion Dance Championship 2016.
KUCHING: Lion dance practitioners should not be content with pitting their skills against one another locally, but should dance their way across borders and compete internationally.
Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the lion dance troupes here deserve to be known outside of Malaysia.
“A lion dance performance is something where teamwork is very important,” he said during his speech at the launch of the Sarawak Southern Traditional Lion Dance Championship 2016 at Vivacity Megamall yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president, pointed out that not only do the Chinese practice this art, but it sees participation from the Bumiputeras as well.
“This is truly shows a united Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Dragon-Lion Dance and Wushu Association president Matthew Lee King Choon said that lion dance is recognised by the Education Department, with 1,800 students involved.
Also present was Chinese Martial Arts Association president Chester Lim.
Sixteen teams from around Sarawak are here to compete using the Southern Traditional Lion Dance style this weekend.