Local artistes described the afternoon tea with Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, that was held at Istana Negara on Monday (April 28) for the first time as a great honour for the local arts industry.
National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the event would be a lasting memory for artistes and a meaningful honour for the local creative industry.
"We are very grateful to the Queen for gracing the event and meeting with talented artistes of various performing arts. It’s very seldom that we’re invited to the palace. Today everyone is happy, and it’s certainly a lasting memory for us.
"The event shows the focus given to us in the industry. It’s a very positive development as it encourages young talent to be more confident and to work hard as a professional artiste,” he told Bernama when met at the event at Istana Negara here today.
Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the prime minister’s spouse, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hasim and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor chief executive officer Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim were also present at the event.
Actress and producer, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina said that the event inspired the artistes who attended to excel in their artform, especially when their efforts are recognised by the country’s leadership.
"This is a very good sign for the creative arts industry because when leaders recognise what we do, it really spurs us on. It also enriches our culture and traditions for the generations to come,” she said, adding that as someone involved in young talent development through her art academy, support for the next generation was vital to the development of a country.
Meanwhile, 80s era actor, Datuk Seri Shah Rezza, whose real name is Raja Shah Zurin Raja Aman Shah, 64, said the event supported initiatives to encourage the arts among children, especially those from B40 families.
He pointed out that involvement in the arts scene not only filled free time positively, but was capable of moulding a child into a more balanced individual with less risk of social problems.
"If they have interest and the opportunity to explore the arts, then the time spent is used to their benefit. The arts can be a lifelong passion… look at me, I’m over 60 and I’m still acting,” he said.
The event was attended by about 400 guests, including school students, and was the brainchild of the Queen herself to showcase talent and create positive interactions between local artistes and school students. – Bernama
