Abang Johari (fourth left) cutting
the cake to launch the event. Also seen are his wife Juma’ani (second right), Fatimah (second left), Adi (third left) and other guests of honour.
KUCHING: A new theatre currently being built at the old Courthouse complex is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The theatre is among the options being considered or implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to make the old Courthouse complex and Kuching Waterfront more dynamic and lively attractions.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that his ministry is exploring new ways to make these two venues more vibrant and exciting, including by organising more cultural and artistic activities.
He is looking forward to seeing more collaboration between the state and private sector bodies who are willing to offer their services to develop the old Courthouse and Kuching Waterfront.
“Once completed, STB or the private sector can utilise the theatre for the good of organising more cultural and artistic activities. I hope artistic clubs or organisations based in the state will help spice up the activities at the old Courthouse and Kuching Waterfront by organising more events related to arts and culture at the new theatre once completed,” he said.
Abang Johari was speaking during a ‘Ramah Tamah Adilfitri’ event organised by the P Ramlee Fan Club Sarawak (KPPRS) at a local hotel yesterday.
He used KPPRS as an example of the type of clubs or organisations which are welcome to organise arts and cultural events at the new theatre.
His ministry is also encouraging buskers to put on performances in allocated areas in the old Courthouse and Kuching Waterfront every night to entertain visitors, in addition to other activities.
“As for now, there are a few activities which can be done by visitors who visit the areas. For example, the old Courthouse has a piano which may be played by visitors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also said that a number of other public places such as Reservoir Park would be developed into places to nurture artistic and cultural activities in the future.
Also present during the event were Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang and KPPRS president Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah.