SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD AND MERDEKA SQUARE TO BECOME CULTURAL HUBS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- The venerable Sultan Abdul Samad Building
and the historical Merdeka Square would soon become cultural and heritage hubs
to honour local artistes and craftsmen.

Information, Communications and Cultural Minister Rais Yatim told
a press conference here tonight that by the end of June, the ministry would set
up many activities for the public and tourists to enjoy and be dazzled by
Malaysia's colourful culture.

"This programme is to honour artistes and craftsmen. Right now they do not
have a place to showcase their talent, display or sell their craft.

"For those who have the expertise in craft, there are not enough places.
Through the initiative, opportunities will be abound for them as folks in the
city and tourists alike can feast and do their shopping," said Rais after a
Premier Tahlil repetition in conjunction with National Artistes and Craftsmen
Day.

In his speech earlier, Rais said unlike London which has a street solely for
artistes and Bangkok where a street has been dedicated for the sales of
handicraft, Kuala Lumpur has yet to develop such a venue.

The ministry would organise such activities there once a week, either on
a Sunday or Saturday since the Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad
building are the most noteworthy spots, he said.

When asked whether the idea would inevitably compete against the established
cultural hub in the city, namely Central Market, he claimed the proposed hub
was not to compete with any other.

"This is simply a chance for artistes to express their inner side, to
perform and highlight their latest cultural performances and products. Through
this effort we will soon be able to catch up with other cultural products
worldwide.

"Anyone will have a chance to perform, be it a singer, poet, guitarist
or even a aunty ('makcik') selling 'goreng pisang' (banana fritters)," he said.

-- BERNAMA