FOREWORD II

Praise to God. Let us take this opportunity to express our blessings to The Almighty, that, if it is not for His Grace, this publication of Mek Mulung: A Heritage Rediscovered will not be as immaculate and overfilled with valuable information. This project is made possible through the funds of the Digital Initiative IR 4.0 under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC).

To produce a credible book like this is not a task that should be taken lightly. The involvement of various agencies is critical. It begins with a seed of an idea from the writer, which then develops into a manuscript up till its final published form as this book. This monumental work will revitalize and become a benchmark for future local publications. I believe that the publishing industry should be more involved in advocating arts and culture to safeguard our national heritage. Although the assimilation of foreign arts and culture towards our current society has infiltrated and influenced existing local cultures for many years, this book will hopefully become a prolific reference point for future readers.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone involved, especially from the team at JKKN and UiTM through the collaboration with the College of Creative Arts and UiTM Press that has worked very hard in the making of this publication. This collaboration between JKKN and UiTM is an excellent move in producing high-quality and high-impact cultural publications. This engagement aligns with our JKKN Long-Term Strategic Plan 2021-2025 which is to strengthen cultural partnerships to enhance cultural excellence. The support and commitment from everyone involved are undoubtedly meaningful for us at JKKN and I strongly hope that this relationship will last for many years to come.

To coincide with our JKKN Digital Transformation Initiative, publications in digital formats have fulfilled one of the twelve main initiatives that have been drafted in this initiative, that is, it would include digital libraries publications. This digital transformation corresponds to the current need to ensure that documentation of arts and culture remains relevant in today’s society especially after the world has experienced a “sociocultural transformation” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of digital mediums has become part of our lives and culture in today’s world and would certainly be in the future.

Therefore, this exclusive publication on Mek Mulung encompasses bilingual documented material in both Malay and English. It will also incorporate Augmented Reality which will be a pioneering feat and will set a new benchmark for JKKN and for its future academic high-quality publications. I am absolutely certain, with the confidence in our teamwork, that in the following years we will definitely produce better publications.

Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge MOTAC’s top administrative for entrusting JKKN in carrying out this project. This publication endeavours to help and support MOTAC’s efforts in promoting Mek Mulung to be acknowledged under UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage.

I’d also like to thank Dr Nur Izzati Jamalludin, Senior Lecturer from the College of Creative Arts and her team, as well as everyone who has invested their time, efforts and resources directly or indirectly towards the making of this manuscript. Your contributions will enrich our existing documentation on arts and culture as a whole.

I hope that with everyone’s contribution to our nation’s efforts of preserving the performing arts, Mek Mulung will continue to strive beyond our expectations and continue to live on and be honoured as a cultural heritage for generations to come.

“ Semarakkan Seni Budaya”

Digital Transformation”

HAJI MESRAN BIN MOHD YUSOP HEAD DIRECTOR, NATIONAL DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (JKKN)