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‘If not us, who?’ — Nga Kor Ming hits back at critics of PM’s support for local artists

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has defended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over his attendance at pop idol Datuk Seri Siti...

Malay MailArif Zikri2026-10-21 11:24查看原文 ↗

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming defended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's attendance at Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza's concert, emphasizing the importance of government support for local arts to foster Malaysia's creative industry.

Nga argued against criticisms, highlighting the need for national leadership to champion homegrown talent and ensure the development of the orange economy.

He announced the Cabinet's approval of an orange economy fund to support artists and cultural productions, thus boosting Malaysia's international cultural profile.

Anwar clarified that his presence at the concert celebrated Malaysia's diverse heritage and traditional arts.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has defended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over his attendance at pop idol Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza's traditional concert last weekend, saying such patronage was vital to Malaysia’s creative industry.

Nga rejected criticisms over Anwar's presence at the weekend performance, stressing that government leadership must champion homegrown talent if the nation hopes to build a thriving arts ecosystem.

“When the government aims to develop the orange economy so local artists, painters, and musicians can earn a living, yet there are some who still object.

“So I want to ask: if the prime minister doesn't support local artists, then who will? If not us, who? And if not now, then when?” Nga told reporters after officiating the Toilet of the Year Award 2026 in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Drawing a sharp cultural comparison, the minister questioned the double standards often applied to local stars.

“If the United States can be proud of Taylor Swift, why can't we be proud of Siti Nurhaliza?” he said.

Nga disclosed that the Cabinet has agreed to establish a dedicated orange economy fund designed to empower the domestic music fraternity and nurture national creative talent.

He said state support must reach beyond individual headliners to encompass grassroots creative practitioners who elevate Malaysia's international profile, especially through cultural productions that showcase the country's diverse heritage on the world stage.

Yesterday, during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar addressed the issue directly, clarifying that he attended the massive concert at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday upon a special invitation to celebrate traditional arts, heritage, and culture.

The prime minister noted that the showcase celebrated Malaysia's pluralistic cultural roots by incorporating traditional wayang kulit shadow puppetry, classical dance ensembles, and indigenous performances from Sabah and Sarawak, presenting the country's artistic heritage to an arena-sized modern audience.

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房屋及地方政府部长倪可敏为首相安华·易卜拉欣出席拿督斯里茜蒂·诺哈丽莎的演唱会辩护，强调政府支持本地艺术对于促进马来西亚创意产业发展的重要性。

Nga反驳了批评意见，强调国家领导层需要支持本土人才，并确保柑橘经济的发展。

他宣布内阁批准设立橙色经济基金，以支持艺术家和文化作品，从而提升马来西亚的国际文化形象。

安华澄清说，他出席这场音乐会是为了庆祝马来西亚多元化的文化遗产和传统艺术。

吉隆坡，10月21日 - 住房和地方政府部长Nga Kor Ming为总理拿督斯里安瓦尔上周末出席流行偶像拿督斯里西蒂努哈丽扎的传统音乐会辩护，称这种赞助对马来西亚的创意产业至关重要。

恩加驳斥了对安华出席周末演出的批评，强调如果国家希望建立一个蓬勃发展的艺术生态系统，政府领导层就必须支持本土人才。

“当政府旨在发展柑橘经济，让当地艺术家、画家和音乐家能够谋生时，仍然有人反对。

“所以我想问：如果首相不支持本地艺术家，那谁会支持？如果我们不支持，那谁会支持？如果现在不支持，那什么时候支持？” 昨晚在吉隆坡为2026年度最佳厕所奖颁奖后，Nga对记者说道。