PUTRAJAYA – A specific policy for the local music industry will be presented to the cabinet by year-end to ensure the growth of the industry and the welfare of practitioners is protected, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said such a policy is being drafted as there has not been any specific framework so far, including a specific body or legislation, to govern the country's music industry involving musicians, singers, and other stakeholders.
The ministry was now preparing the draft on the proposed Music Corporation Act, although he added that not all matters can be resolved through legislation.
“For example, in the film industry, we have the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and the Finas Act 1981. The music industry, while it obtains aid in the form of digital content funds and so on, still needs a framework that governs issues concerning development, welfare, and international-level promotions,” he told reporters today.
Saifuddin said both he and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukry currently have an understanding that matters concerning music will be the responsibility of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.
“But we still don’t have an authoritative source for this, so on the basis of responsibility we feel it is time for the government to have a clear policy on music, especially on who is really responsible for managing music affairs," he said. – Bernama, November 19, 2020
