Communications and digital ministry split to give more strategic approach on creative industry - GAFEMA

18 Dec 2023 05:00pm

President of the Federation of Malaysian Film Associations (GAFEMA), Panchacharam Nalliah @ Pansha - AWANI

KUALA LUMPUR - The Communications and Digital Ministry split following the Cabinet reshuffle last Tuesday is expected to provide a more strategic, organised, and structured focus on the country's creative industry.

In a statement, the President of the Federation of Malaysian Film Associations (GAFEMA), Panchacharam Nalliah @ Pansha said they believe the split will have a positive impact in strengthening economic development and stimulating the growth of the creative industry to support related industries as a whole.

He said agencies like the Department of Community Communications (J-KOM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR), Information Department (JaPen), MyCreative Ventures, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and the Malaysian Nasional News Agency (Bernama) are also suitable to continue under the Ministry of Communications under Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

"Fahmi's understanding of communication activities through cultural arts, not just as entertainment, is greatly admired to help preserve, conserve, and disseminate cultural heritage in society.

"This effort has been translated by him through townhall sessions with the creative industry players in the past and has been demonstrated through the 2024 Budget,” he said while also expressing gratitude for Fahmi and his deputy Teo Nie Ching for their continuous efforts and concern in listening to the grievances of the creative industry players.

GAFEMA consists of 11 major associations in the local film industry, including the Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM), the Malaysian Film Directors Association (FDAM), the Malaysian Artists Association (SENIMAN), the Malaysian Professional Film Workers Association (PROFIMA), the Welfare Association of Indian Entertainers Malaysia (MIEWA), and the Creative Content Association of Malaysia (CCAM) - BERNAMA