National Artiste Day celebration commemorates P. Ramlee, appreciates contributions of local artistes

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Artiste Day which was celebrated today in conjunction with the birth anniversary of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee to commemorate the contributions of the legendary actor, is also among the platforms to strengthen the role of arts and culture in the country.

In PERAK, the celebration was held at the National Department of Culture and Arts Auditorium in Ipoh, which was attended by State Housing, Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi.

Also present were the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture's cultural policy division director Munawati Yaacob and Perak Information Department assistant director Hasan Ashaari Abu Bakar.

Nolee Ashilin said the celebration could help create a society that appreciated the country's cultural arts across all races, in line with the aspirations of having a united 'Keluarga Malaysia' (Malaysian Family).

"Today's programme is very significant where we celebrate local artistes who are experts in their respective fields," she said at a press conference after officiating the celebration.

In PAHANG, the celebration was held at the Darul Makmur Auditorium of the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Broadcasting Complex in Kuantan attended by members of Persatuan Pertubuhan Karyawan Seni Pahang, Majlis Seni Mempertahankan Diri Pahang, Anak Kayan, Kumpulan Muzik Asli Gemala Sari and Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia Pahang.

Pahang Science, Technology, Innovation, Communication and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff in his opening speech said artistes played an important role in shaping society, especially in today's challenging world.

In MELAKA, the celebration, which although held on a small-scale, was very meaningful, especially for actress Wan Maimunah Wan Abdul Aziz, Peranakan Baba and Nyonya cultural activist Tan Chai Eng and Peranakan cultural activist Chetti S.T. Rajah Jan, who received contributions from the State Unity, Information, Manpower and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem.

A visit was also made to actor Roslan Salleh's house, to appreciate his contributions to the industry.

Ngwe in his speech earlier said the veterans were much appreciated for their efforts to elevate the arts and culture in Melaka.

"With the involvement of the younger generation, it is hoped that the country's art industry can be further enhanced," he said when speaking at the state-level celebration in Perlis.

In KUALA LUMPUR, a similar celebration was also co-organised by the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Information Department (JaPen WPKL) and the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (FINAS).

"We hope this celebration can encourage artistes to produce better works in the future. The community also plays a role in cultivating awareness of the value of art.

"Every person should learn from the films screened by taking the positive aspects contributed by them," said JaPen WPKL director Lim Ann Teck to Bernama and RTM after the launch of the celebration.

In JOHOR, veteran artistes including singer and actor S Sahlan, Junaidah M. Amin, Aida Agil and Abdul Rahman Onn were among those present to enliven the 'Santai Bersama Seniman' event held in conjunction with the celebration.

Organised by the Johor Information Department in collaboration with the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas), the event was also attended by Larkin assemblyman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, Johor Information Department director Naim Fahmi Ahmad Tajuddin, Southern Region Finas agency chief Mohd Amir Izuan Arsat and Johor State Department of Culture and Arts director Rahmat Md Noh.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, actress Wan Maimunah Wan Abdul Aziz, 68, described the Artistes Day celebration which was held for the first time, as providing recognition to all those who were in the industry.

"This celebration makes us - the country's artistes - feel appreciated, although it was celebrated in a modest manner due the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) for organising it," said the veteran who has been in the industry for 40 years.

Actor Muhammad Yunus Abdul Rashid who is better known as Ebby Yus, also thanked the government, and K-KOMM in particular, for organising the event.

Meanwhile, in KEDAH, State Information, Communication and Multimedia, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Romani Wan Salin said actor Tan Sri P. Ramlee was an irreplaceable asset to the country's creative industry.

"This National Artiste Day celebration is to commemorate his (P. Ramlee) services and contributions to the country's creative industry as well as to honour his works, which have not only succeeded in producing more creative industry figures and experts, but also put Malaysia on the world map," he said when officiating the state-level celebration.

-- BERNAMA