‘Performing arts a viable platform for unity’
KUCHING: The performing arts can serve as a medium to enhance the spirit of unity among members of society.
According to Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang, activities such as singing, dancing, acting, playing musical instruments and alternative stage performances not only bring folks together, but also engage youths in areas they would be interested in and thus prevent them from being involved in social ills.
“We can convey positive messages more effectively through the performing arts because they are not solely about creativity and entertainment, but are also something ordinary folk can relate to, especially through stage plays,” he said at the Sarawak Filmmakers Association (Perfilems)’s fifth anniversary gala dinner at Penview Hotel here on Friday.
The association which was formed on July 13, 2013 is registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) and recognised by the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas).
Idris who is Perfilems patron commended the association for its efforts in developing the local performing arts scene through theatres and production of television drama series.
Specifically, he hailed Perfilems president Jalot Jeman as ‘the New Age personification of Malaysia’s artiste laureate, the late Tan Sri P Ramlee’.
“He has good leadership qualities and extensive experience in this field. I hope that he would continue his fight in bringing the local performing arts scene to greater heights. As the patron, I assure Perfilems that I would continue to render full support to ensure that our talents would be recognised further,” said Idris, who attended the dinner gala with his wife Datin Zulaiqha Hamid.
Meanwhile, Finas Sarawak director Maffizan Saupie acknowledged Perfilems as being the only organisation of its kind in Sarawak that had obtained full recognition from Finas.
Maffizan who was appointed head of the state branch of the corporation in June this year said it had always been Finas’ objective to champion the cinematography scene in Sarawak through the active running of activities.
“In this regard, we welcome Perfilems to be part of our plans. Finas has the facilities and Perfilems can gain access to them through us — we will assist.
However, the most important thing is for the association to finetune its management,” he said.
In his remarks, Jalot told the guests that Perfilems had already scheduled its activities for next year including the continuation of its basic acting and filmmaking workshops that had been conducted since day one of its establishment.
“We also appeal to Finas Sarawak to provide Perfilems with proper premises for us to run our activities. We also strive to produce more young talents who are knowledgeable in all the processes involved in front and behind the camera. In this respect, we hope that through Finas, we could engage experts from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
Later, Idris announced a RM10,000 allocation for Perfilems to run its activities next year.
“I approved the same amount last year and also for this year. I’m happy with what Perfilems has done and achieved over the past five years and as such, it deserves the RM10,000 (allocation for 2018),” he said.
Head of the state’s education and prevention unit (censorship and enforcement division) of the Home Ministry Abdul Hadi Zulaihi was also present.