Dr Rais said he was now waiting for recommendation of cultural practices from the Indian community to be included in the list.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliament House, Batu Caves, St George Church in Penang, Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall building and the lion dance on a pole have now something very important in common – they are all considered national heritage.
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Roaring tradition: The lion dance on a pole being performed outside the Parliament House. Both the dance and the building have been declared as part of our national heritage
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They are among the 50 things (18 buildings, 20 objects and 12 cultural practices) that were granted such status in conjunction with the country's 50th Merdeka celebrations. (See graphics for full list)
Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the ministry had looked at 500 things, but currently, it only conferred the national heritage status to 50.
"Today, the lion dance on pole which originates from Malaysia and not from China, has been declared a national heritage.
"We should all be proud of it," he told reporters at the declaration of the 50 national heritage and the launch of national heritage register.
He said with the declaration as stipulated in the National Heritage Act, Malaysia now joins countries such as Britain, the United States, France, Germany and Australia as having legislation to protect their heritage.
Dr Rais said he was now waiting for recommendation of cultural practices from the Indian community to be included in the list.
Asked whether Baratanatyam dance could be included in the list, he said: "It is not a problem. It is one of the foremost dance which has been performed by various sectors.
"Classical Indian dancer, Ramli Ibrahim has performed it worldwide.
"The only thing is that we would like the dance to be localised by the Indian community. If that is done, I will forward the suggestion that it be included in the list."