PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater government and private-sector support for Malaysia’s arts sector after praising the musical theatre production Mansur & Liu as one of the best local productions he has seen.
Anwar said the large-scale production directed by music maestro Datuk M Nasir had reached a standard comparable with some international theatre productions, demonstrating the capability of Malaysia’s performing arts sector.
“When I talk about economic growth and development, we talk about cultural empowerment. Tonight we have proven that there are local productions that have reached a level we can be proud of.
“I think it is among the best productions I have seen in the country and quite comparable with some (theatre productions) elsewhere in the world. What is needed, of course, is government and private-sector support so that there are additional facilities,” he said after watching Mansur & Liu at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumur last night.
Anwar, who said he had followed the development of the local theatre scene, also congratulated M Nasir and everyone involved in the production.
“So, congratulations to my friend M Nasir and everyone involved in making it happen, extraordinary. I am grateful to be able to witness for myself the capabilities of our local performing arts,” he said.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and producer and director Datuk Yusuf Haslam and his wife, Datin Patimah Ismail, were also present at the performance.
Mansur & Liu, M Nasir’s first theatre production as director, was staged at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, for 11 days from Sept 10 and concludes tonight.
The musical tells the story of Melaka’s sixth Sultan, Sultan Mansur Shah, and Princess Liu of the Ming Dynasty, based on Sulalatus Salatin, also known as the Malay Annals. - September 20, 2026
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