IPOH, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Renowned film and commercial director, the late Yasmin Ahmad, and cartoonist Datuk Lat were announced as among the six 1Malaysia icons by the Perak government at the launching of the state-level 1Malaysia With The People programme here tonight.

Yasmin who died from a stroke in July was given the recognition for promoting the 1Malaysia concept through the movies and commercials which she directed, and her openness and courage in exploring social issues via her works.

Lat, whose real name is Mohamad Nor Khalid, has touched the hearts of Malaysians with his often humorous caricatures which portray the 1Malaysia way of life and racial unity in the country.

The four other 1Malaysia icons chosen by Perak are social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Dr Ayob a/l Bah Los who is an Orang Asli from Tapah who became a doctor in 1989, C. Sarmugam who is active in the Rukun Tetangga movement in Taiping, and Abdul Rahim Nor Mohd.

Abdul Rahim Nor Mohd's long, close friendship with his former employer, a Chinese, embodied the 1Malaysia values and spirit.

He devotedly cared for his former employer who was ill for 20 years until the latter's death.

About 50,000 people from all races filled the Perak Stadium to witness the launching of the 1Malaysia programme by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and several other Cabinet ministers.

Besides songs and other multi-cultural performances which mirrored the 1Malaysia concept, other activities like an exhibition and stalls selling various things which operated since yesterday also marked the launching of the programme.

After Perak, the programme is expected to be held in Selangor followed by the other states.