Painting can be a way to strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

Arifin said the art field could be a link between the two countries.

“Today we are with painters from Brunei Darussalam and I congratulate Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for successfully establishing good relations in the field of painting with various countries including Brunei.

“We can witness various works produced by prominent painters from Brunei that depict cultural values, thoughts, history and values that are sprinkled in the Gurisan Subarang Exhibition.

“I hope such programme can continue and become a vehicle for establishing relations between Malaysia and Brunei, especially the state of Sabah which is together in the Borneo Islands in the field of arts.

“We also hope that such programme will be held not only in the field of painting but also in Islamic calligraphy and other arts,” said Arifin when met by the media after officiating at the Soft Launch Ceremony of the Gurisan Subarang Exhibition in UMS.

A total of 83 works involving 15 famous painters from Brunei Darussalam participated in the Gurisan Subarang Exhibition from Jan 15 to March 8 at the Kaamatan and Kalimaran Exhibition Rooms, UMS Azman Hashim Gallery.