KENINGAU: Keningau Umno deputy chief Annuar Datuk Ayub has suggested that the Keningau Music Festival be changed to Crocker Range Music Carnival next year.
Annuar, who is also the patron of the festival, said the change is because Crocker Range is near Keningau town and could promote it to tourists from within and outside the country.
“Taking the name of Crocker Range is also appropriate as it embraces the love of nature away from pollution,” he said when opening the Keningau Music Festival at Keningau Mall here on Saturday.
He said such a program was good as it could tap talents in singing and music from the youth in the district, and develop these to the next level.
Annuar expressed hope that through the program, young talents could be expanded and promoted.
He believes many young people in the area have extraordinary artistic talents, both in singing, music and dance performances.
“For me, this program can have an impact on the development of art and culture in this area.
“I also ask the organizers to further diversify the event which will interest all levels of society, from songs in the 1960s, Malay folk songs, to rock and R&B which are very well loved by the elders and youths,” he said.
Annuar said parents should also support the arts development of their children as a career in arts has a bright future.
“Sabah has produced many popular artists through television reality shows, and I believe youths from this region may follow suit,” he said.
He said the music festival program also gave youth the opportunity to show their talents in business.
He said many youth organizations had opened up business stalls during the program and this was good for youths to be independent.
Annuar also proposed that youth organizations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the federal Department of Youth and Sports, provide career-oriented programs that could benefit them.
The inaugural program was jointly organized by Kiara College, led by its chief executive officer, Natalie Chow, and was well received by the people from around the district.