SANDAKAN, March 24 (Bernama) -- The ‘Ramadan Jazz Elopura’ programme, which is imbued with spirituality, culture and music, could serve as a new trend to attract the public, especially youths, in nurturing better hearts and creating harmony in the country, according to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Zulkifli Hasan

He believes the programme represents an innovation in fostering moral values ​​in society and should be continued and expanded to other places, including the Peninsula.

He said what makes the programme appealing is that it starts with congregational subuh prayers, followed by religious talks and jazz music performances and other shows that can attract young people to participate.

"Today's performances bring together musicians from the Peninsula and Sabah. We have buskers and what's interesting about this musical blend is the combination of professional musicians with street musicians who have high quality in their performances.

“In addition to the quality arrangements in the performances, the music is very soothing, bringing one closer to Allah, and this nurtures hearts towards harmony,” he told reporters after officiating the programme here today.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli explained that they are trying to create a new narrative in approaching all layers of society to foster harmony and prosperity in the country, such as through culture or spiritual music that enriches the soul.

"Today's programme also attracted many tourists, including non-Muslims, as well as Muslims from all walks of life, using music or culture to create a mechanism of unity and national harmony.

"Congratulations to the organiser, the operator of The Elopura Hotel Sandakan, Datuk Md Afendi Hamdan, in collaboration with the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department, as well as the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) and United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) for the interesting idea,” he said.

The opening of the Ramadan Jazz programme at The Elopura was also enlivened by performances of Islamic songs by Fiq Mentor, Daqmie and Afad (Raihan), while other performances included Jimmy Sax and a ‘selawat’ trio.

-- BERNAMA