THE RITUALISTIC PERFORANCE OF NGALAI / BERASIK: THE INTANGIBLE HERITAGE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF NATIONAL CULTURAL POLICY (NCP) AND MALAYSIAN HERITAGE ACT
Mohd Kipli Abdul Rahman1*, Sharifuddin Zainal2 and Mohamad Azizul Ibrahim3
1Associate Professor. Dr., Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia, kipli2020@yahoo.com
2Mr. Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia, Shah.Zainal82@gmail.com
3Mr. Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia, azizulibrahim08@gmail.com
*Corresponding author: Mohd Kipli Abdul Rahman
Abstract
This paper elaborates on the ritualistic performing arts of ngalai/berasik practised by the Bajau/Sama’ ethnic group in the state of Sabah, from the perspective of the Malaysian National Cultural Policy (NCP) and National Heritage Act. Traditionally, ngalai/berasik ritual performance is a performance practice for healing, based on the ritualistic belief of animism. As a type of performing arts, this form of ritual contains elements of dance movements, songs, acts and music. Referring to NCP, the ritualistic performance of ngalai/berasik not only functions as a medium of healing, but it also serves as an artistic culture among the practising community. Meanwhile, referring to the National Heritage Act, Malaysia, it is a form of performance arts, categorised as Intangible heritage. Therefore, this study attempts to justify the ritualistic performance of ngalai/berasik as performance arts in the form of intangible heritage that is supposed to be preserved at the expense of sustainable cultural heritage.
Keywords: Ngalai/Berasik, Bajau/Sama’, Intangible heritage, Ritual, Sustainability, Preservation
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