SINGER Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin today reaffirmed her suggestion for the government to establish a council to oversee and develop the local arts industry.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons, Siti said she has put forward a few proposals on how to improve the music and performance industry.

“I will support (the arts council) it if it’s for the good of the industry,” she told reporters at Ilham Tower in Kuala Lumpur.

Siti, together with a several other prominent names in the local arts industry, were called by the council today to brief members about the industry.

They include actress Jo Kukathas, Pusaka founder and director Eddin Khoo, film critic Hassan Muthalib and former National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) director-general Kamil Othman.

Siti said a memorandum on her proposals would be submitted to the council for further discussion.

“Today’s discussion was about the positive response from the industry. I won’t discuss in details (about the proposals) but it’s not of self-interest,” she added.

Siti previously suggested reforms in the arts industry under the new Pakatan Harapan government, saying there should be a body that looked after the welfare of artistes.

Her idea was supported by Karyawan, who suggested for various disciplines of arts being put under a single body, which would then be able to monitor and also conduct activities to develop the various art industries.

Karyawan president Freddie Fernandez last week said the council was considering the idea, which he said would benefit all artistes in the country. – June 7, 2018.