KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 — The government allocation of RM3 million to ease the financial burden of veteran artistes would be channelled to them in stages this year through the 1 Malaysia Artistes Foundation.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim (picture) said this was another positive measure to help the nation’s male and female artistes.
“Thus, with the establishment of the foundation I hope there will no longer be any news about veteran artistes who are sick and need assistance,” he said in his keynote address at the handing over of welfare contribution to artistes at Dataran Karyawan, Finas here today.
The text of his speech was read by his deputy, Datuk Maglin Dennis D’Cruz who represented the minister at the event.
A total of 142 veteran actors/actresses and singers aged above 60 received a cash contribution of RM2,000 each.
The contribution was a follow up to the announcement of a RM5 million fund by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when launching the 1 Malaysia Artistes Foundation on November 11, 2012.
Of the total of RM5 million, RM2 million was disbursed last year while RM3 million would be given this year.
One of the recipients of the contribution was actress Mariani Ismail, 79, the elder sister-in-law of the late entertainer extraordinaire Tan Sri P. Ramlee.
Mariani, who was thankful for the contribution, planned to save the money for use when necessary.
The president of 1 Malaysia Artistes Foundation, Datuk DJ Dave or Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah said the formation of the foundation supported by the government demonstrated the concern of the government for the country’s artistes.
“It is clear that the government has not overlooked any group in ensuring that the welfare of all Malaysians are looked after.
“In fact, the government is looking further ahead with the proposal to provide insurance coverage, reviewing the payment of royalty received to look after the welfare of the artistes and their families,” he said. — Bernama
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