be pre-established or simply the choice of the ), and the sings the same lyrics back to him. During the performance, members of the clap and perform rhythmic body movements, which bring energy to the performance. Historically, dikir barat performances have been all-male. However, in recent years, especially with groups based in urban areas, female performers are beginning to appear. While most musical instruments are excluded from , some groups employ percussion instruments, including the rebana, maracas, or a shallow gong. Competition In a competitive performance, the two opposing dikir barat groups both sit on the stage platform at the same time. The performance is as musical as a non-competitive performance, but the competitive is also, according to one observer, “a duel of wits”. The from one group will throw out a topic or question, singing it to the , who will sing it back to him. At this time the opposing group's must reply with an answer more clever than the original question, and after the second sings it back, the first must take the dialogue another step higher. Essentially, what transpires is a type of lyrical debate, but instead of scoring technical debate points, who regularly produce well-created retorts will win audience laughter, affection, and admiration. Originally, was limited to competition between neighbouring villages, but in the 20th century, as its popularity began to spread (aided by the ability to record performances), it became a national phenomenon. Today, competitions have become wildly popular across Malaysia, and each year there are national champions crowned, not only for the groups as a whole, but there also are national champion in the categories of and . Top are famous and popular, much like rock stars in the West. The government of Malaysia now officially sponsors as a major element of national culture, and has experienced substantial success in spreading its popularity. To facilitate its spread, in 2006, then-Minister of Information Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said he would encourage the development of English language , as English is the most widely spoken second-language in the former British colony, and could thus be shared by more citizens. The national competitions in Malaysia have been broadcast on radio since 1993, and on television since 2006. Spread of Origins Sources are divided on whether originated in southern Thailand or the Malaysian state of Kelantan, which borders Thailand, or even from a wedding dance shared by