21 November 2010

Silat associations must contribute towards human capital development - Muhyiddin

KEPALA BATAS (Nov 20, 2010): Malay silat associations in the country must play a role in contributing towards human capital development for the next generation, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said they should also make efforts attract the younger generation to the martial art at the school level, higher education institutions and community centres, including mosques.

"At the same time, we must remember that the younger generation of today are the inheritors of our religion, race and country in future," he said when officiating a gathering organised by the Malaysian Seni Silat Lincah Association here today.

At the function, Penang Yang Dipertua Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, who is also the association's first 'Ulul Amri', conferred the same title, the association's fourth, to Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin said silat training modules had proven to be able to mould individuals of strong character, which could positively impact others in society, Malays and non-Malays alike.

"The government from early on has been supportive of silat movements, and in relation to this, through the Youth and Sports Ministry, Information Communication and Culture Ministry and Islamic religious departments has been cooperating with silat associations so that the martial art gains recognition and is in line with Islam, which is the official religion of the country," he said.

He added that the 'espirit de corps' prevalent among members (of silat associations) if expanded in the context of leadership, would lead to fostering greater unity among the people irrespective of politics, economic power or ethnicity.

Sourced from http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=54232

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