Trained in classical ballet and modern dance, Datuk Ramli Ibrahim is well known for his captivating performances in Indian classical dance, particularly in Odissi. — Picture by Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 — Famous Malaysian dancer and choreographer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim is among the recipients of this year’s Padma Shri Award, one of the highest civilian awards by the Indian government for distinguished services to art.

The Penang-born dancer is a master of Indian classical dance and has been cultivating the art in Malaysia for the past three decades.

Trained in classical ballet and modern dance, the 61-year-old is well known for his captivating performances in Indian classical dance, particularly in Odissi.

The award was given to commemorate the silver jubilee of the India-Asean partnership, the Times of India reported.

The Padma Shri award also includes one recipient from each Asean member.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is currently in India attending the two-day Asean-India Commemorative Summit that started yesterday.

Other notable figures that received the same award is Singapore’s ambassador-at-large, Tommy Koh, an international lawyer who led the island republic’s legal team against Malaysia in the territorial dispute for Pulau Batu Putih.

The International Court of Justice in 2008 ruled that the tiny inhabitable but strategic island located between the two countries belonged to Singapore.

* Editor's note: A previous version of this report was incorrectly headlined 'India confers highest civilian award to Penang-born dancer-choreographer Ramli Ibrahim.' The award is the fourth-highest for civilians.