Gobind: Inclusive approach to arts reforms
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is taking an inclusive approach to reform the country’s arts industry, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
He said the government was in the process of listening to views from parties involved before making any decision.
“There is a need for overall reform, including amendments to relevant acts, structure of Finas (National Film Corporation Malaysia) and other bodies.
“The government takes an inclusive approach in this matter,” said Gobind in a posting on his offical Twitter account yesterday.
Gobind said this in response to the views of a Twitter user, who suggested a memorandum or amendments to specific laws to protect arts practitioners.
He said the role and capabilities of the arts industry to highlight the country’s uniqueness and special attributes on the international stage should be taken seriously.
Gobind said discussions on reforms involved stakeholders in the arts industry, comprising film producers and artistes.
In Kuala Pilah, Com- munications and Mul- timedia Deputy Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said the rate of Internet penetration, speed and charges were among the main focus of the ministry.
He said the people must be given accurate and balanced information.
“This is the biggest problem in telecommunications. Based on several discussions with the minister (Gobind Singh Deo), it is the ministry’s focus to discuss this issue with telcos to improve the existing Internet facilities. The Internet charge rate is a priority and needs to be reviewed so that we can attract more people to use the facilities to get accurate input and information.”