versione Italiana

PRESS STATEMENT BY H.H. DATO’ SHAMSUDIN ABDULLAH,

AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA FOR ITALY AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE

ON “LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS” AT

HOTEL PARCO DEI PRINCIPI, ROME

14 OCTOBER, 2000 AT 18.30 HOURS

Mr Antonio Volpe

President of White Helmets Europe Foundation

Distinguished Member of the Head Table

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I at the outset express our sincere thanks to the Organiser, White Helmets Europe Foundation in particular Mr Antonio Volpe, its President for inviting me at the press conference in conjunction with “Langkawi International Festival of Arts” scheduled to held from 26 October – 4 November 2000 at Langkawi, Malaysia.

“Langkawi International Festival of Arts” is a special event organised on the occasion of the inauguration of “Ibrahim Hussein Museum”. A famous Malaysian artist, with the primary purpose of promoting the legendary island of Langkawi as the island of art and culture. The Festival will be the first of its kind in our part of the world to portray the magic of the art and culture in a universal language, as a vehicle to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples and nations. I believe magical Langkawi promises excellent venue for interactions between East and West – a preferred landmark for international events such as the festival of creative art and culture.

On this auspicious occasion, I wish on behalf of the Malaysian Government to record our deep gratitude and appreciation to White Helmets Europe Foundation and the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Culture Foundation for their vision and untiring endeavour to help rekindle the mystique legendary isle of Langkawi as an authentic exotic beauty of paradise and as a centre of art and culture. Indeed I am proud of White Helmets Europe Foundation’s unique initiative and philosophy in charting the new course of mutual collaboration between us, not only in enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and Italy, but also as a special conduit towards promoting international understanding, peace and harmony the world over, through art and culture.

I must at this stage highlight why Langkawi is best known as an isle of legends and mystique – the venue for the International Festival of Arts. Langkawi Island is the main island of a cluster of 99 islands in the straits of Malacca, which belongs to the Kedah State, Malaysia. The most famous folklore is about Mahsuri, a village maiden who lived almost 300 year ago and was executed, she bled white blood, signifying her innocence. With her dying breath, she coursed that Langkawi would be impoverished for seven generations. Only recently after seven generation that magical Langkawi returns t becoming a dream island, perhaps the best known spot for tourism in Asia today.

Langkawi Crocodile Farm Langkawi Island also boast other major attraction such as the following:

Ø      Mahsuri’s mausoleum

Ø      Telaga Tujuh (Sevel Well Waterfalls)

Ø      Atma Alam Batik Art Village

Ø      Langkawi Crocodile Farm

Ø      Tanahmas Cultural  Centre

Ø      Air Hangat Village (Hot Water Village)

Ø      Rice Museum

Ø      Seven Beautiful Beaches

Ø      Island of Pregnant Maiden

Ø      Pulau Payar Marine

Ø      Island of Big Lion

Ø      Duty Free Shop

So you have to be in Langkawi to experience the thrills of the historical, natural and uniqueness, where the mystique and legends of the island lies.

 LANGKAWI WELCOMES  YOU!

 Thank you.