KUALA LUMPUR, April 4- Malaysian artistes have largely promised to support the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 13th general election, in appreciation of the BN government’s efforts towards developing the performing arts industry and the incentives given to them.
Seniman president, Lt Col (Hon) Rozaidi Abdul Jamil said an insurance scheme, Skim Insurans Seniman, approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak proved the government’s concern for the welfare of this group, with the transformation effort having convinced its 5,000 members to support the ruling government.
“Last year, I asked our artistes to register as voters through the ‘Jom Mengundi’ (Let’s Vote) campaign held in cooperaton with the Election Commission. SMS text will also be sent to our members asking them to go out and vote when
the time comes,” he said when contacted today.
Rozaidi said he would never forget Najib’s good deed of approving RM6 million in incentives for Seniman and similar registered associations through the 2013 Budget. He said artistes as popular figures in society could help influence voters in the election campaign to support the BN government.
Karyawan president, Freddie Fernandez said his association would not forget Najib’s contribution to the growth of the creative arts industry to the extent that it could penetrate the international market, with the films and music promoted overseas generating RM500 million in returns for Malaysia.
“This is the government’s continuous effort in developing the industry, so I will remind our 3,000 members to support the BN government by joining its election campaign when needed,” he said.
Popular singer Zainal Abidin said he had received many invitations to perform on stage throughout the election campaign period, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
BERNAMA
