RTM orchestra pianist Rusmadi Ramli has urged his fellow musicians to join associations like the Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) before hardship strikes, Harian Metro reported.
The 56-year-old said he was denied aid by several other arts associations when he suffered a stroke four years ago, and they told him that aid was only for registered members.
But fortunately for Rusmadi, he said Karyawan was the first arts association to visit and help him when all hope was lost.
“I was feeling discouraged until Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez himself came to my house, accepted my membership and extended assistance without burdensome conditions.
"I hope more musicians, especially those in RTM and other orchestras, will join the association as we need a platform to build networks and share job opportunities.
“Don't wait until you're in difficulty, then only think about joining," he told the daily.
Rusmadi, a father of two, now performs only light score-writing duties at RTM because the stroke left him with physical limitations on his left side.
Fernandez said the visit reflected the Karyawan’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of artistes, regardless of their status.
