Complex a boost for Sabah arts – Musa

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KOTA KINABALU: The setting up of the National Department of Culture and Arts (NDCA) Complex in Sabah is timely and in line with the state government’s effort to raise the prestige of  local culture and arts, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

“I am confident that this will not only complement our need for cultural and arts activities as a tool to promote unity in Sabah but also add a new attraction to the state tourism sector,” he said when officiating at the launch of the complex yesterday.

He said the state government would continue to strengthen cooperation and assist the federal information, communication and culture ministry in their effort to promote cultural and arts development in Sabah.

Musa also congratulated NDCA and the ministry in their commendable effort to set up the new complex despite having to deal with various obstacles and land acquisition issues in the early stages.

He also commended the ministry’s sensitivity and appreciation towards local culture and arts which were expressed through the intricate design of the complex.

“The design is unique and interesting as it adopts traditional architecture and depicts the culture of various local ethnics in Sabah. It certainly symbolises the harmonious relationship and unity among the different races of Malaysians in Sabah.

“This further supports the recognition given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that Sabah is the best model for the 1Malaysia concept as this concept has long been practised by the local people here as part of their culture,” he said.

The NDCA Complex located next to the State Library Building at Mile 2 off  Jalan Penampang was built as part of a programme to promote culture and arts as a tool to unity.

Construction commenced in Dec 2007 and was fully completed early this month at a cost of over RM20.4 million.

The complex comprises of three buildings spread across a 1.3 hectare site, including an auditorium block that can comfortably seat 571 people.

The facility is also equipped with seminar rooms, two dance studios, a theater and a musical studio, an audio-visual room, open stage, library, exhibition gallery, meeting room and a special court for traditional spin-top competition.