KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM) has formed a Film and Music Advisory Council headed by Rim state assemblywoman, Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar.
K-KOMM minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that the new council would offer insights to the government and industry players to aid in advancing the creative industry from the aspect of contributing to the economy and job opportunities, especially to the youth.
"As of now, the ministry has identified 20 arts practitioners, 10 from the film industry and 10 from the music, who will be offered to be members of the new council.
"K-KOMM intends to uplift the film industry as it is currently experiencing a new lease of life. For example, the film Mat Kilau Kebangkitan Pahlawan has succeeded in collecting close to RM100 million at the box office.
"If there are quality films available, this would encourage rapid growth. Prior to this, people are afraid to produce films and advance the film industry, so we need personnel with expertise to be advisors," he said in a recent news report.
Annuar added that the appointment of Khaidhirah would potentially drive the film and music industries through more proactive policies, aside from attracting more professionals from relevant groups to be part of the effort to advance the industries.
However, he explained that the formation of the new council would not clash with the function of the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and would instead complement the efforts of Finas to help develop the film industry.
"Finas takes care of the monetary aspect and has to be advised. We want to help Finas through this council," he said.
Khaidhiriah, who is better known as Dira, is also deputy speaker for the Melaka state legislative assembly.
The 38-year-old daughter of former Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Isnin has a degree in public policy from Universiti Malaya and has been active in the arts scene before going into politics in 2015.