PRACTITIONERS of the arts were called upon by Prime Minister Najib Razak to play a role in countering bullying and gangsterism in light recent tragic cases in the country.
“In the past few days, the issue gangsterism and bullying has been in the public eye. I hope local art practitioners could play a role in cultivating humanitarian values in the country.
“We are not only focused on developing highways, high speed rails and skyscrapers but we want to develop a civilization instilled with good values.
“This is a partnership that can be strengthened to build a better nation, which is our aspiration in line with TN50,” he said at a breaking of fast event with writers, artistes, cultural activists and broadcasters at his Seri Perdana residence today.
Najib’s call comes in the aftermath of several incidents of bullying that led to the deaths of the victims.

On June 15, 18-year-old T. Nhaveen of Penang died after he was physically and sexually abused by five boys, some of whom were his former schoolmates.
Another bullying victim who lost his life was  naval cadet officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain.

He was allegedly tortured to death with an iron steamer, belt and clothes hanger, among others, by his fellow cadets at the National Defence University.
On another matter, Najid said the government would allocate 1Malaysia People’s Housing Project (PR1MA) units to veteran artistes.
“I am ready to ask PR1MA to be allocated to our artistes and I will consider it from time to time,” he added
He also said the government, through the urban wellbeing and local government ministry, had agreed to set aside People’s Housing Programme units for veteran artistes at the Simpang Dua dan Kepong schemes in Selangor. – June 18, 2017.