KOTA KINABALU: There is more to Sabah artistes than just pure talent.
“Your past successes prove your potential, and you are all indeed talented. As the Chief Minister, I am proud of your achievements,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said the state government recognises the Sabah artistes’ roles and would continue to support them to reach greater heights.
“The local artistes are not only talented, but have the potential to move further forward. And your excellent achievements in reality shows such as the Akademi Fantasia (AF), Mentor and the One In a Million are evidence of your outstanding talents and potential.
“It is my hope that you would be the role model and show good examples to the younger generation. Our approach may be different, but even I myself, as the chief minister, may not be able to govern the state alone.
“The continuous support and assistance from everyone, the private sector and government servants, as well as the artistes are vital to help in the development of the state … let us work hand-in-hand to bring greater development for Sabah,” he said during a gathering with Sabah artistes at Sri Gaya, his official residence, here, yesterday.
Also present were Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Ghulam Khan Bahadar, Sabah Barisan Nasional secretary cum Kota Belud Member of Parliament Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and the Special Officer to the Chief Minister, Mohd Joh Wid.
A total of 135 Sabah artistes from six associations, including individuals, attended the event.
The six associations are Kelab Artis 1Malaysia (KA1M); Persatuan Artis Tempatan Sabah (PERTISA); Persatuan Rumpun Artis Sabah (PARAS); Persatuan Usahawan Industri Muzik dan Perfileman Sabah (PERINTIS); Persatuan Industri Kreatif filem dan Muzik and the Pertubuhan Gerakan Kumpulan Industri Kreatif (Seni) Sabah (SCIGM).
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, said the state government has awarded several local artistes in recognition of their contributions, including those who had passed away.
“I, personally, appreciate the contributions of our local artistes, both present and those who had passed away. For instance the late John Gaisah. I used to listen to his songs and saw him perform … he was a great and talented singer.
“So I thought that it would be good to recognise his talent by giving him some sort of recognition. … he was awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) award last year, which carries the title ‘Datuk’. That was the least we could do to honour a great singer like him, although he had left us. His songs and voice are everlasting,” said Musa.
Gaisah was one of the pioneers in the Sabah music industry through his involvement as a singer, musician and songwriter, especially in the Kadazandusun songs.
Dubbed ‘Sabah’s Tom Jones’, he made his name in the music industry after coming in third in the Bintang RTM 1976. That year also saw national icon the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad winning the top spot.
Meanwhile, at the event, Musa was also presented with a directory of Sabah artistes.
According to PARAS president, who is also, unofficially, heading the secretariat for Sabah artistes, Abu Bakar Ellah, currently, about 120 names, representing four associations for local artistes, have been included in the directory.
“We are trying to compile as many names as possible. The Secretariat will also be working on a few programmes to show our support and how we can help the government in the coming general election,” said Abu Bakar.