A RM 2000 HELP FOR VETERAN ARTISTS

HELP....Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun presenting the aid to Jaafar Zainuddin, one of the veteran artists, witnessed by Chairman of Yayasan Artis 1Malaysia Datuk DJ Dave (second right), President of SCIGM Rozza Rothman (right).

By : AMY YEE & FIZAH YUSOF

YAYASAN Artis 1Malaysia was formed by veteran artiste Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, 65, better known as DJ Dave. High among the foundation's aims was to contribute to veteran artists' medical needs as many of them do not have health insurance, EPF or Socso.

Dave told  reporters that some of the aged artists needed monetary assistance because of ill health and have no means of fending for themselves.

"Malaysians are known to be kind and generous to people in need in different parts of the world. Why don't we start helping our own people first?

"That was the basis on which I  started the Yayasan. That was the idea that came to my mind  when I saw some of my fellow artists dying alone with  nobody to help them. That's how I got this idea to start this foundation" Dave said.

This year the government is allocating a RM3 million aid fund to Yayasan Artis 1Malaysia. With the help of the government, veteran artists will not only be awarded with a tax-free stipend of RM 2000, but also a grant to purchase medical insurance.

Dave said that the assistance is not intended only for veterans artistes. " The younger ones who need help are also taken care of. "

Datuk Masidi Manjun agreed that local artisists should be supported. "If you want to make the local industry grow, we need to support them and be willing to pay to watch them"

He said the whole idea is basically to inculcate the culture of love and care. However, you cannot regulate the entertainment industry because it all depends on people's tastes.

"With the help of SCIGM, Yayasan 1Artis, promoters and event organisers there will be more opportunities for the veteran artists to continue to earn income as entertainers," he said.

Masidi said one of the complaints he received from the local entertainment industry was the unfair payment they received from event organisers  outside Sabah. 

VETERAN ....Kenneth Boon, a veteran musician showing pictures of his band 'The Dreamers' back in 1964.

"We do have many local talents here who can perform in Peninsular and overseas if they are given a chance to show their talents, " he said.

Masidi hoped that local artiste would be paid reasonably, including the support crew.

Kenneth Boon, a veteran musician who has been on the local music scene for more than 50 years,  said the life of an artiste is very tough. At 67 he is still working.

"I am still making music and performing at resorts and hotels around Kota Kinabalu." He said his band "The Dreamers" is still very much alive.

"I believe all the artistes welcome this initiative from our Prime Minister. It helps us in so many ways and I thank him (Najib) for not forgetting us," he said.

Eleven veteran artists were given financial help  under the Yayasan Artis 1Malaysia program. The recipients include Elias Lantaw, Mohamed Salleh @ Mat Congo, Ailun Mojilip, Mohd. Jamaluddin, Philip Mosinoh, Jaafar Zainuddin, Anthony Thien, Kenneth Boon, Ivy Bakansing, Evelyn Ebin and Dayang Hasnah Ibrahim. (Insight Sabah)