By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 17: The youths of Sarawak have been tasked to work on performing arts which could be promoted at the State-level and even commercialised to other countries.
Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the people of Mukah in particular, have their own culture and arts which have the potential to be marketed.
“We now have our own television (TV) station – TVS, and we have secured a film exchange deal with foreign TV stations, including Thailand.
“If our drama series’ are good, we can exchange them with other countries where we start airing their dramas and vice versa. This means our actors are comparable to international artists,” he said when officiating at the Mukah Youth Convoy programme at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Mukah today.
He further said that in an effort to develop the domestic arts and culture sector, the State government is currently upgrading the Old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building into a performing arts centre.
Abang Johari also stressed that the participation of youths in the State’s development is very important especially as the world is moving towards digitalisation.
He explained that youths are the ones who will go through an era of advanced technology that impacts their way of life, especially the economic sector.
“That is why if Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) wins the election tomorrow (Dec 18), I will establish a sovereign fund for us to manage the State’s revenue and provide returns to the youth community in case our oil and gas resources have run out. That is our future plan,” he added.
Abang Johari also called on the youths in Sarawak to get more involved in sports and follow the footsteps of icons such as national diving queen Pandelela Rinong Pamg.
As the State government progresses in physical sports development projects, he also encouraged youths to participate in eSports, adding that the State government is ready to give its support to assist the youths in developing their skills. — DayakDaily
