KUCHING, Dec 13: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) wants to create more artistic opportunities to empower and enable the development of artistes with special needs (OKU) including those talented in creative painting.
Its Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said the Ministry will fight for and look into the plight of the differently-abled artistes in the arts and culture sector.
“I will also assist with what is needed including their welfare so that they are not marginalised.
“I will ensure that MOTAC creates more opportunities for them to develop their respective talents in the future,” he said in a social media posting yesterday (Dec 12).
As yesterday marked his first week in office, Tiong admitted that there are some weaknesses in various aspects and policies that needed to be improved after having spent the last week reviewing and assessing the various policies under the Ministry’s portfolio.
“We have also received feedback including constructive criticisms to improve the tourism, arts and culture sectors.
“I have read them thoroughly. I am thankful and I really appreciate them,” he said.
Tiong also noted that the industry players and stakeholders are expecting a response for the various problems they have raised and urged for priority to be given to resolve those problems.
“Many people have put high hopes on the unity government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the new Cabinet and government departments.
“As mentioned before, we will need to fix and make improvements on the weaknesses and shortcomings,” he added.
Moving forward, Tiong welcomed continuous constructive suggestions, ideas as well as collaborations to further develop Malaysia’s tourism, arts and culture sector as “it is time for us to work closely together to create a new era and propel the industry to greater heights”. — DayakDaily
