By Emellia Tamoh
KUCHING, July 5: A musical theatre entitled ‘Semarak Pertiwiku’ will be staged on July 12-14 to highlight the importance of having integrity and the need to treat corruption issues seriously.
The musical theatre is a joint effort of the State Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (Union) in the Chief Minister’s Department, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak and the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
Semarak Pertiwiku tells a story about the lives of workers at the construction site of Menara Pertiwi, which will be the highest tower in Bumi Kenyalang. The construction project was managed by Syarikat Tulus Bina, which is appointed by the main contractor — Dato Shah Office.
However, there are a lot of ‘secrets’ behind the appointment of the sub-contractor, when there are many eligible and competent companies out there. Along the way, corrupt activities were uncovered by a MACC officer.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the objectives of the musical, among others, was to deliver and communicate an important message on integrity and corruption to the community.
“It is to instil noble and ethical values as well as sow the spirit of integrity in oneself, families, within the community, state and nation,” he told a press conference about the musical theatre at his office here today.
“We hope that through an entertaining and thrilling atmosphere, people can learn some lessons, get aspirations, uplift their spirit of patriotism and be inspired to make integrity a life principle so that we can lead a progressive and peaceful life.”
Talib also pointed out that it was part of the state government’s efforts to enhance and instil a culture of integrity and combat corruptions among the society, particularly in Sarawak.
The musical theatre will involve 78 production members, including 24 actors comprising FACA’s students and Dual National Training Certified trainers. It would also feature seven local celebrities: Azhan Rani, Sherie Merlis, Anding, Taufik Hanafi, Elya, Chopie Cakap and Shah Kimin.
“Even though the musical coincides with the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), we are optimistic that all the seats in the auditorium, which has a capacity of 480, will be filled up as the response for the tickets has been encouraging,” he said.
On the opening night on July 12, he said it is a closed event and strictly by invitation only.
The performances on July 13 and 14 are opened for students and civil servants (through invitation) as well as the public.
Tickets and passes for the musical theatres are free. Those interested to attend can get the passes from MACC Sarawak during office hours, starting next week. They can also win tickets by participating in quizzes on Sarawak FM or Unimas Facebook page.
MACC Sarawak director Razim Mohd Noor and Union director Adana Jed were also present at the press conference. — DayakDaily
