SIBU: Some 1,000 historical and nostalgic photographs will be on exhibition at Sibu Islamic Complex during the inaugural ‘Sirih Pulang Ke Gagang’ programme here on June 1.
Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, chairman of Malay-Melanau Heritage Sibu Committee, Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the photographs dated back to the 1960s and 1950s.
He also revealed that they planned to identify a permanent place to house these historical photographs.
“The photographs with historical value depict the Malay-Melanau community back in the days of 60s and 50s. There will also be photographs of old buildings. They will certainly spin back old memories and nostalgia.
“The exhibition will be among the three activities slotted into this programme, aimed primarily to bring back the former residents of Sibu to the Malay-Melanau community here to recall their history and roots.
“Many of the Malay-Melanau have moved elsewhere and become very successful in their own fields of endeavour in other places of Sarawak and throughout the country.
“We see this as a good opportunity to invite them back to attend the ‘Sirih Pulang Ke Gagang’ programme to share their knowledge and input with the Malay-Melanau community here,” he enthused.
The exhibition, which will run until June 30 (opens 8.30am till 6pm daily), is expected to be officiated by former Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng on June 1.
Other activities lined up at the complex included the dialogue session and night function with a Sixties theme, Dr Annuar said.
On the dialogue, he said they would discuss the direction of Malay-Melanau community here, expecting a turnout of about 500 people.
Turning to the evening function, he said there would be stage performances to bring back the nostalgia of the sixties.
“We expect about 1,000 people to turn up for this evening function.”
As part of the programme, they would also visit five houses of individuals who had contributed to the community.
Among those present were the committee deputy chairman Cr Zaiton Abdul Kader and secretary Mohamad Safree Mohamad.
Those keen to join the programme can contact Tarmizi Thamby on 084-314176 for information while those wishing to share their photographs can call Suhardy Busserah on the same number.