Abang Johari (second left) presents a contribution to a recipient.
KUCHING: The ‘Yayasan Artis 1 Malaysia (YA1M) Contribution Ceremony’ on Friday celebrated the contributions of 40 veteran artistes towards nation-building.
Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated at the spectacle, said artistes were icons that would always have a special place in the hearts of their fans.
“These artistes have played important roles in the development of the country and state, and thus they would always have a special place in the hearts of Malaysians.
“Therefore, it is important to celebrate and remember their contributions even though they have advanced in age, to the point they have to retire from the local arts industry,” he said at the event, which was held at Riverside Majestic Hotel.
The event was organised by YA1M in collaboration with Persatuan Penyanyi Anak Sarawak (PPS).
Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister, also commended YA1M for helping local artistes.
“YA1M does follow their mission of fighting for artistes so that they can live more secure lives and always be seen in a good light by their fans.”
Present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talip Zulpilip, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, YA1M president Datuk DJ Dave, and renowned artistes Datuk Yusuf Haslam and Datuk Abdul Rahman Hassan.