DOMESTIC and foreign artistes should consider holding their concerts in Sarawak if they face difficulties in obtaining permits to perform in Peninsular Malaysia, said Miri mayor Adam Yii.
According to Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, Sarawak is less strict when it comes to staging concerts compared to states in the peninsula, although organisers would still have to make sure that local customs and sensitivities are respected.
“If (concert) permits cannot be obtained in Peninsular Malaysia, come to Miri. As mayor of Miri City, I will fully support and assist to ensure the smooth holding of concerts,” he was reported as saying by Borneo Post Online in a statement.
“Artistes should definitely consider Miri as the primary location for holding concerts in Malaysia. We warmly welcome your arrival.”
Yii said this in response to state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who said last week that while Sarawak would not deviate from the federal government’s guidelines on organising events and concerts involving foreign artistes, the state would “not be too tight or too strict”.
“If we let everything be determined by the said (federal) guideline, it will be hard. We have our own methods, but our methods are reasonable,” Abdul Karim was reported as saying during a press conference in Kuching on March 24.
He added that two artistes who took part in last year’s Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak would not have been allowed to perform in other states because of their attire and performance.
Meanwhile, Yii also pointed out that Sarawak has many pull factors that would appeal to artistes and concert-goers globally, including tourist attractions and its harmonious atmosphere.
“I strongly believe many would be happy to come here and at the same time take the opportunity to travel around Sarawak,” he said. – March 31, 2023
Main pic credit: The Star
