Lack of experience not an issue for new Finas chief

The newly minted National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chairperson Zakaria Abdul Hamid does not see his lack of experience in the film industry as a barrier for him to do his job. 

“I’ve heard stories (criticising me as a political appointee)… However, that doesn’t mean the appointee would be lagging in terms of carrying out his responsibilities.

“There is no problem because prior to this, Finas had been led by individuals with a political background.

“In the end, in any organisation, the leader must have the right work culture which is to be friendly, willing to listen to criticism, and can perform the work,” Zakaria (above) said in his first press conference as Finas chairperson today, as reported by Berita Harian.

He reportedly said his lack of experience in the creative industries won’t be a problem because he is willing to learn, and he is fortunate enough to be surrounded by experts in the film and arts industry.

“I’m prepared to learn and listen about the art world from those who are experts,” he said.

Zakaria’s appointment was announced on May 23. He replaces actor and film producer Hans Isaac (below) on the post. 

Meanwhile, Norman Abdul Halim of KRU Studios was appointed as the new deputy chairperson, replacing Affendy Ali Dally, a Media Prima executive.

In the announcement, the Communication and Multimedia Ministry said Zakaria is a businessperson and community activist, with a degree in urban planning from the California State University, US.

Zakaria was previously the political secretary to the then works minister Baru Bian under the previous Pakatan Harapan government, and is aligned with former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali. Both Baru and Azmin had since broken off from the party.

Zakaria had been sacked for allegedly dangling projects from the Housing and Local Development Ministry and the Works Ministry to lobby for votes in the 2018 PKR election. He has denied wrongdoing.  - Mkini