'Why are there government officers taking commission from buskers?' - MYBC

There are a handful of government officials taking advantage of the programmes meant for street musicians or buskers apart from wanting a name for the work, without doing it sincerely as committed employees.

The sentiment was expressed by the President of the Malaysian Buskers Club (MYBC) Wady Hamdan when buskers have been allegedly misled by some government agencies by urging them to perform without receiving any appropriate remuneration.

Wady said, the image and credibility as well as dampens their enthusiasm to cooperate in the future will be severely affected.

“I hope these officers will be monitored seriously and action will be taken against them, as to not affect a good agenda for the country.

“We’ll continue to be bolder as the voice of community. The government should also ensure all agencies governed by them understand their responsibilities,” he told Astro AWANI, here today.

Wady was commenting on the issues faced by several street musicians under MYBC which have been suppressed by some government agencies over payment issues.

Previously, Wady reportedly said that street musicians avoid from being seen as beggars and having to deal with public’s perception of them being drug addicts.

Wady also warned not being able to tolerate any collaboration with any government departments or agencies which could arise problems or negative attitude for not getting payment or interests.

"We will not hesitate to seek the cooperation of the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for help if any suspicious behaviour is detected.

"We've been too tired with this attitude and often feel persecuted by irresponsible government officials,” he said.

Wady suggested for the government to form a feedback channel, so the collaborators are able to provide their feedback.

"It includes the performance and cooperation given by a government officer involved in a programme or project.

“The report should be submitted to a special body that will evaluate the performance of a government officer or civil servant.

"This method can produce a more professional attitude and commitment to ensure a more efficient civil servant, “he explained.

He added that, several buskers under his patronage experienced difficult moments including not getting payments under government programmes.

"There are buskers who do not receive payment within a period of time and had been manipulated by a handful of government officials. There are many challenges.

"I cannot accept the attitude of some government officials who are unable to work with sincerity, honesty and trust to ensure an agenda is run with transparency.

"When errors are identified, they are not helpful in solving the problem. Then, the buskers will have to face the difficulties and be held responsible,” he said.

He added, MYBC aims to upgrade local street musician activities to raise the bar and use “street power” in contributing to the advancement of the country.

"For nearly three years, MYBC managed to unite almost 9,000 members across the country to come under one roof and the buskers community growth in each state is increasing.

"It is happening because of the growing public’s acceptance and the potential for them to be able to earn big money, he said.

Perhaps, many would remember Caliph Buskers who went viral after its laudable performance at the 29th Anugerah Juara Lagu in January.