Traditional dances debut at Taiwan festival (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: For the first time, indigenous people of Malaysia participated in the 3rd Global Indigenous People's Performances Arts Festival held at Taiwan from July 29 till Aug 8 this year.
Organisers for the Malaysian delegation are Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli, Malaysia-Taiwan Trade Federation Association jointly with the support from Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board.
Nine countries – Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Chile and Switzerland participated in the festival with the Sabah indigenous group comprising representatives from the Kadazan, Dusun and Murat performing their cultural dances at the festival.
In lauding Malaysia's participation, Culture and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said Malaysia's multi-cultural and multi-racial heritage are most prominently exhibited in its diverse music and dance forms.
"I hope that through this festival, the Malaysian troupe could further foster goodwill, fellowship and cultural integration with other countries," he said when handing over Jalur Gemilang to Datuk Seri Tang Ying Lik, president of Malaysia-Taiwan Trade Federation Association to signify Malaysia's participation.
Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli chairman Dr Andre Ratos said the organisation played its part in promoting the culture and heritage of Malaysia's indigenous people.
The performances were held at four Taiwanese cities – Taipei, Nan Tou, Peng Tung and Tai Tung. Aside from stage performances, they also held parades, flash mobs and exhibitions.
The Malaysian delegation also visited the Taiwan tribal villages for cultural exchange and fellowship.
According to the Department of Statistic Malaysia 2015, there are about 3,659,100 indigenous people in Malaysia which make up 12% of the 30 million population.