PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry will prioritise the participation of veteran artistes in its events or programmes to ensure they can continue to showcase their work.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil (pic) said this approach could be implemented at the agency and departmental levels under the ministry.
"Any event organised by the ministry that requires the presence of artistes should prioritise the veterans... Please consider and give opportunities to them to continue contributing to the country and encourage them to continue their creative work," he said at the ministry's 2023 Excellent Service Awards ceremony for the Peninsular Zone here on Thursday (May 16).
"This initiative can alleviate the burden on veteran artistes, who we often see facing challenging times.
"This effort aligns with the ministry's initiatives to always support the community, especially those who have entertained us in the past," he said.
Fahmi said the approach of supporting veteran artistic talents would also ensure they did not feel left out.
"I want us to give a chance to our veteran artistes... because often we invite the young and handsome (artistes), but our veterans are still handsome," he said, adding that this approach also aligned with the ministry's responsibility to the country's creative industry.
Meanwhile, he said the restructuring of the former communications and digital ministry into separate ministries had improved the quality of government service delivery to the public.
"Although there have been changes in portfolios, the tasks and roles we carry are still the same, which is to ensure the quality of service delivery remains at the highest level. We continue to collaborate on specific tasks through effective strategic partnerships.
"Therefore, we need to play this role with dedication and trust. If the public service needs to collaborate with the private sector in efforts to advance the country, then let’s do it," he added.
A total of 522 ministry personnel received the award in the form of certificates of appreciation and incentives worth RM1,000 at the event, including 63 Bernama employees.
Also present were Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching, ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Bernama chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. – Bernama
