The proposal to dissolve the Georgetown World Heritage Inc (GTWHI) following the controversy surrounding the promotional video for the George Town Festival 2024 is unreasonable, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said GTWHI should be evaluated based on its role in ensuring that George Town remains a world heritage site.

“GTWHI has received various awards and recognitions from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and World Heritage.

“If just because of this one video, we want to dissolve GTWHI, I would say this is an entirely unreasonable request,” he told reporters after launching the George Town Festival 2024 today.

Last week, Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Izhar Shah Arif Shah made the call following the controversy surrounding a promotional video which allegedly only promoted Chinese and Indian cultures.

Chow said nine Malay performance groups will participate in the festival.

The theme is “Here and Now” with over 80 programmes from both celebrated international acts and innovative local artists will be featured from today until July 28.

With respect to the installation ceremony of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow, some entertainment events planned for the George Town Festival 2024 will be postponed, he said.

- Bernama

COMMENT | George Town Festival video: Were Malays really excluded?

COMMENT | George Town Festival video: Were Malays really excluded?

YOURSAY | Nothing wrong with George Town

YOURSAY | Nothing wrong with George Town

No need to rename George Town, Penang exco says

No need to rename George Town, Penang exco says

George Town Festival organiser apologises for Malay 'exclusion'

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