Exhibition on pharaohs needs to be brought to cabinet - Mohamaddin

KUALA LUMPUR,  Nov 4  --  The Egyptian government has given its approval for the exhibition on its pharaohs, King Ramses II and King Tut, to be brought to Malaysia for the Visit Malaysia Year 2020, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.

However, he said, the proposed exhibition will have to be brought to the cabinet first because of the huge financial implications involved, especially the insurance coverage on the exhibits.

“Sponsorship of the exhibition will be opened to any interested company,” he said when winding-up of the debate on the Supply Bill 2020 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On the confusion that arose over the “shocking’ announcement on the exhibition by his deputy, Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Mohammaddin said it was due to miscommunication.

“I signed the letter to have the exhibition on the pharaohs to be held in Malaysia. However, when the Egyptian government gave the approval, there was delay in informing me,” he said, adding that Museums director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kasim had apologised over the matter.

Muhammad Bakhtiar announced that the ministry was planning to exhibit Egyptian pharaoh's tomb and artefacts of Ramses II and Tutankhamun, or popularly known as King Tut, in October next year in conjunction with the 2020 Visit Malaysia year.

However, he said the government was still working to finalise the plan with the Egyptian government and would organise a fundraising event to make it happen.

-- BERNAMA