By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – From the stage of theatre, the floor of dance to the realm of media, the Perak Arts and Culture Awards 2025 paid tribute to prominent figures whose dedication continues to inspire the elevation of arts and culture to greater heights.
Organised by the Perak Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN Perak), the awards recognised contributions from practitioners across various fields, acknowledging them as the driving force in preserving and championing the state’s cultural heritage.
Rashidi Abdul Kharis was named Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, receiving RM5,000 in cash, a plaque, a certificate and a mock cheque.
With nearly 40 years in theatre, Rashidi said the award is proof that the struggle for the arts has never been in vain.
“Alhamdulillah, theatre is no longer seen merely as entertainment, but as a platform to shape character, build courage and foster critical thinking among the younger generation.
“I am grateful to still have the strength to continue through children’s and adult theatre classes as well as the Perak Theatre Academy, which I founded in 2010. This is a space for the public to truly understand the educational value of theatre,” he said.
Rashidi also shared a cherished memory when he was named Best Director at the Perak Theatre Festival in 1994, beating his own teacher in the process, yet still receiving full support from his mentor.
“That memory proves how theatre humanises people, teaching us to value ourselves, our community and our country,” he added.
Also honoured was Mannan Miah Wabulah, who received the Perak Arts Icon Award 2025, with RM3,000 in cash, a plaque, certificate and mock cheque.
At 65, Mannan has been actively involved in dance for more than four decades, since the early days of Selendang Perak. Today, he continues to serve as a coach, choreographer and educator at various institutions, including Polytechnics and State Cultural Councils.
“This is the second time I’ve been recognised after previously receiving the Dance Icon Award. The arts have become a way of life for me. As long as I have the energy, I will continue to share knowledge and guide the younger generation,” he said.
Mannan also expressed his hope that traditional arts will not be lost amid modern trends dominated by digital entertainment and foreign influences.
“I want to bring our youth back to appreciating their own heritage. Art is beautiful, and everyone can dance because even the movements of daily life are art,” he said with conviction.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Gazette Perak (MG Perak) was named the recipient of the Cultural Media Award, presented to its editor Mohamad Hafizi Mohd Said.
MG Perak received RM1,000 in cash, a plaque, a certificate and a mock cheque in recognition of its role in promoting arts, culture and heritage news in the state.
According to Hafizi, despite MG Perak being less than two years in operation, the award serves as motivation to continue producing quality coverage.
“This success is the result of teamwork. Insya-Allah, we will continue to provide strong coverage of arts and heritage in Perak for Malaysia Gazette readers,” he said.
In total, 19 arts and culture categories were contested this year, spanning theatre, dance, music and media.
The prestigious biennial awards were officiated by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, underscoring the state government’s commitment to strengthening arts and culture as both heritage and identity of the people of Perak.
