Citrawarna Malaysia (Colours of Malaysia) showcasing the country's
kaleidoscope of arts, culture and traditions will be held nationwide for a month
from 2 to 31July 2005.

Now in its seventh year, the Citrawarna Malaysia 2005 launch on 2 July 2005
will be a colourful extravaganza with over 4,000 participants dressed in colourful
costumes. Spectators will be treated to songs and dances from Malaysia and
various countries in Asia.

In the past, the pomp, splendour and pageantry of Citrawarna highlighted only
the cultures and arts of Malaysia, but this year the participation of culture groups
from other countries in Asia will add an international dimension to the event.

Theme and Story Line

With the theme "The Colours of Asia in Malaysia", the event will not only
feature songs and dances from Malaysia, but will also feature the cultural and
folk dance presentations from invited countries in Asia as well, especially those
from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, China and Korea.

As a curtainraiser, Citrawarna 2005 will be officially launched on 2 July 2005 at
the Stadium Merdeka with pomp and pageantry by His Majesty The King of
Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong; Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni AlMahrum
Tuanku Syed Putra Jamallulail.

More than 50,000 spectators are expected at the launch of Citrawarna 2005.
This year, the opening sequence will begin with a presentation entitled the "Birth
of a Nation" (Lahir Sebuah Negara) where it features the `Golden Era` of 15 th
century Melaka. This segment on the arrival of early migrants to the Malay
peninsula features the cultural presentations of the various ethnic communities.
in Malaysia. The first being the Javanese community followed by the Hindu
community from Southern India, the Arab merchants and the Chinese from
mainland China.

The `Malaysia Baru` segment with cultural presentations from Sabah and
Sarawak precedes the other presentations from Asia before coming to a close
with a fireworks display and a presentation on `Malaysia Truly Asia`.

Pre and Post Shows

A preshow featuring live entertainment by local artistes will begin at 5.30 pm on
2 July 2005 at the Stadium Merdeka, while the post-show (after His Majesty
The King has left the venue) will be the resumption of the live entertainment,
followed by a lucky draw

Tourists visiting Malaysia can attend the Full Dress Rehearsal which will take
place at 8.00pm on 1 July 2005 at the Stadium Merdeka.

BACKGROUNDER:
· Ever since Citrawarna Malaysia was introduced in 1999, the Official
  Launch concept has always been as a street parade staged at the
  Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) in Kuala Lumpur.
· This event which showcases the involvement of cultural groups from the
  various states in Malaysia is now in its seventh year.
· In May 2004, the Citrawarna Malaysia event was relocated to the Bukit
  Jalil Stadium (still maintaining the streetparade
  concept).
· Citrawarna Malaysia 2005 will be presented at the Stadium Merdeka in
  an openfield concept and with participants from the private sector such as
  NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs), Education Department, Training 
  Centres and the like will be taking part in the Official Launch this year.

Citrawarna Malaysia is one of the many yearround events organized in
Malaysia, a country always in a festive and carnival mood and where continuous
merriment prevails.


For more details on Citrawarna 2005, please visit the Tourism Malaysia website
www.tourism.gov.my or call the Citrawarna Secretariat at 0326158306 (Abdul Haris Hadi) and
0326158313 (Sarifa Samsudin).

Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 27 April 2004
For more info please call Ritz at tel: 0326158483
or email : ritz@tourism.gov.my
Ref: BK/1694/1

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME
(Subject to change)

8.45 PM  Arrival of His Majesty The King
             Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong
             Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Putra Jamalullail

9.00 pm Speech by the Hon. Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad
             Minister of Tourism, Malaysia

9.10 pm Speech by The Right Honourable,
             Dato' Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi,
             Prime Minister of Malaysia

9.30 pm ‘Watikah' Procession

9.35 pm Launch Gimmick by His Majesty The King

9.40 pm First Segment `
             Birth of a Nation` (Lahir Sebuah Negara)
             Citrawarna presentation begins

10.55 pm Malaysia Truly Asia

11.00 pm His Majesty The King leaves the venue

11.05 pm The Hon. Prime Minister leaves the venue
               Post Show begins

12.00 am Event comes to a close