KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s development model should draw strength from Eastern values without being confined to neoconservative thinking, while remaining open to change and new ideas, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said this approach was particularly important for the development of the country’s arts and film industry, which required creative space and greater freedom to grow in tandem with changing times and technological advancements.
“It does not mean that we have to follow the Western model, but the Eastern model does not necessarily mean being neoconservative. The Eastern model should retain its strength, culture, values and morality, while being more open,” he said when officiating the FINAS (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia) Tower here today.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, FINAS chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
Anwar said a country aspiring to progress must recognise that the younger generation increasingly sought a freer and more open environment, while still upholding the cultural and moral values of society.
He said the arts and film industry could not develop to its full potential if practitioners were subjected to excessive restrictions, constraints and conditions.
The government, therefore, wanted to foster a more open space for dialogue so that artists and industry players would not feel overly pressured or constrained when producing their works, Anwar said.
“I am not saying that literature, culture and the arts should be strengthened as a tool of propaganda.
“Arts and culture are not cheap or crude propaganda tools, but should serve to raise awareness, provide enlightenment and build greater understanding in society,” he said.
Anwar said the country’s past experience had shown that excessive restrictions on artistic works could hamper the growth of the film industry.
“I know it is not easy because our country also has strong conservative influences... but believe me, the country must move forward.
“The foundations of culture, morality and values cannot be sidelined, but this industry, like the universities we have discussed, must embrace change, new technology, and creative and critical thinking. It must be more open,” he said.
At the same time, the prime minister stressed the importance of government support to ensure the continued growth of the film, arts and cultural sectors, including by safeguarding the welfare of industry practitioners.
He said the history of the country’s arts industry had also shown that some artists faced hardship as a result of poor industry management and an unfair system.
“The tragedy of a poorly managed industry, one that was also a victim of an unfair system that oppressed and exploited people, ultimately ended in tragedies in the lives of artists.
“Such circumstances must not be allowed to recur, and the government must ensure that appropriate support and protection are extended across the entire industry ecosystem, from actors and artists to the workforce involved in producing a work,” he said.
Anwar said the government had increased allocations not only for the film industry, but also for theatre, literature and the arts as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s cultural landscape.
Meanwhile, he said FINAS could play a greater role in exposing the younger generation to local works, including through more creative approaches suited to their interests.
He said the strength of the arts and film industry not only reflected a country’s creative capabilities, but also showcased the attitudes, identity and culture of its people.
“I want Malaysia to be elevated through the strength of its economy and a culture that is empowered,” he said.
-- BERNAMA