KUCHING, Dec 8: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has confirmed that arts and culture will remain under his portfolio.
He said the Cabinet meeting yesterday (Dec 7) decided to keep the name of his ministry as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
When Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced his Cabinet list on Dec 3, he appointed Tiong as the Tourism Minister, which invited confusion especially among arts and culture industry players.
To clarify, Tiong said in a statement today that he would prioritise Malaysia’s arts and culture development and not only tourism.
“I also assure that the arts and culture industries will be dignified and preserved well. The role of cultural workers and artists in contributing to nation-building will not be marginalised.
“For that, I will ensure that this important group will be recognised for its meaningful contribution to the country, such as reintroducing the National Art Award that has been discontinued for a long time,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tiong urged all related parties to give him their full support as he would do his very best to bring glory to Malaysia’s tourism, art and culture industries. — DayakDaily
