Malaysia plans to establish an orange economy fund to support local artists and boost the creative industry following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s attendance at Siti Nurhaliza’s concert
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s attendance at National Biduanita Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin’s concert reflects the government’s support for local artists, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said that such support is crucial for developing the country’s creative industry, including music and arts, which has the potential to become a source of income and strengthen Malaysia’s soft power internationally.
“If the Prime Minister does not support local artists, who else will? If not us, who else? If not now, when?” he told the media after officiating the Malaysia Best Toilet Award 2026 (TOTYA’26) here tonight.
He said attention must be given to developing the orange economy to ensure that local arts practitioners, including artists, painters, and musicians, have the opportunity to generate income and livelihoods through their creative works.
Meanwhile, Nga noted that the Cabinet has decided to establish an orange economy fund to empower the local music industry and support the country’s arts practitioners.
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NGA KOR MING-CONCERT 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
According to him, these efforts should not be limited to a single artist alone, but should encompass other arts practitioners capable of bringing glory to Malaysia, particularly through cultural performances that showcase the nation’s identity on the world stage.
“If the United States is proud of Taylor Swift, why can’t we be proud of Siti Nurhaliza?” he said.
Earlier, while explaining the matter in Parliament, Anwar stated that his presence at the Gema Bumantara Traditional Concert held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Saturday was by special invitation, as well as an expression of support for efforts to empower local arts, heritage, and culture.
He said the traditional concert showcased the beauty of heritage arts through elements of wayang kulit, traditional dances, and cultural performances from Sabah and Sarawak, thereby highlighting the country’s rich heritage and classic local songs.
— BERNAMA