‘ARTS VITAL FOR NATION-BUILDING’
Arts and culture should develop in tandem with economy, says prime minister
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the arts are an important element that determine the standard of a country’s civilisation.
He said no country could call itself civilised without arts and culture, as they should develop in tandem with the progress in the economy and other sectors.
It is for this reason that the arts remained an important element in nation-building, which must be preserved, he said.
“Art tells the story of a nation’s history and civilisation. Anyone who does not know how to appreciate the arts should not call themselves civilised.
“This is also the reason why our first prime minister (Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj) established the National Art Gallery soon after independence,” Dr Mahathir said at the National Art Gallery’s 60th anniversary celebration here last night.
Present were his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi and National Art Gallery director-general Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa.
The National Art Gallery was established a year after Malaya gained independence, originally in Jalan Ampang. It was relocated to Jalan Keretapi when it was known as Balai Seni Lukis, before moving to its own building in Jalan Temerloh here in 2000.
Dr Mahathir urged the people to support arts and culture as they were important in shaping a Malaysian identity that everyone could be proud of.
“This is true even as we strive to achieve Vision 2020, and even as a person works hard to earn thousands of ringgit (through work). Without our own artistic identity, we cannot claim to be civilised.”
He said Malaysia’s natural wonders were often the subject of paintings, sculptures and other visual art, and such products helped the country’s economy.
“Investing in a painting is never a waste because the art’s value increases with time, unlike cars or motorcycles. It becomes even more expensive if the painter is no longer around.”
Mohamaddin said the National Art Gallery recorded more than 737,000 visitors between 2015 to June, with arts sales proceeds reaching RM38 million.
“The National Art Gallery will be open a second gallery at Dayang Bay in Langkawi soon. It is organising the Asia International Conference of Art and Design 2018 there,” he said, adding that yesterday’s event was to appreciate the ministry and its agencies.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir launched a the Senikini monthly magazine for art lovers and limited edition National Art Gallery stamps to commemorate its 60th anniversary.