ARTS activists and artistes are “role models” who can help shape the National Transformation 2050, the prime minister said at a TN50 dialogue in Seri Perdana last night.

The event, marred by a “fight” between comedian Sulaiman Yassin and producer David Teo, was to seek the arts community’s input on issues affecting them.

Najib Razak, however, said the social media accounts owned by artistes should be abused an used as a tool to slam others.

“They (artistes) are influential and they have many followers unlike some websites or bloggers. But sometimes bloggers may try to communicate our ideas but if they have few followers, the impact is lost,” Najib said when asked how artistes could help the prime minister realise the TN50 vision.

Najib also took a dig at those whom he said made grand promises without being able to fulfil any of them.

In fact, he said, there are many who criticise the government without giving any useful suggestions.

“Words are cheap. I am not asking everyone to agree with everything we do but please give us realistic and good feedback, not half-baked ideas.”

Actress Nur Ruhainies Farehah Zainul Ilyas said as someone with thousands of fans, an artiste should grab the opportunity to support the nation’s leaders.

Ruhaines said: “I am not asking a question but merely want to suggest that all of us, as artistes with influence, use our social media accounts to support the prime minister’s leadership.”

Najib was also asked if he knew what was an artistic soul. He replied that artistes possess a creative bent and a finer appreciation of things in life.

“I should know. My wife (Rosmah Mansor) is an artiste. She loves to sing.”  

Almost 300 arts activists attended the dialogue session and among their proposals were taxation, veteran artistes’ welfare, welfare fund and ways to boost the income of arts activists.

Najib said their input would be added to the 2017 Budget. – May 18, 2017.