NEW MUSIC POLICY TO PROTECT SINGERS AND SONGWRITERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet has approved a new music
policy that among other areas serves to elevate the quality of the musical
industry and protect the rights of singers and songwriters, said Information
Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

He said that through the policy not only would the future of musicians be
protected but it would also enhance the quality of the country's creative
industry.

"The policy is to ensure that the local music industry and its practioners'
future is better ensured.

"We must also see the scenario of CD and DVD sales which have a potential
for piracy to the detriment of the local music industry," he told reporters at a
news conference here Monday.

Dr Rais said there was also concern now that training in the world of music
was mostly left to ordinary institutions, even that in his own ministry, there
was no specific department that handled affairs related to music just as for
films.

Dr Rais said that with a national population growth of three per cent a year
the music industry had great potential and significance.

"We are now asking that the government to approve an entity, at least a
music department in the ministry, to oversee the affairs of musicians in RTM and
other institutions and that musical training is conducted at the highest level,"
he said.

Dr Rais said as of now the development of music in the country was partially
dependent on work abroad leading to low local content, especially in terms of
Malaysian cultural values.

"For example,to implement the 1Malaysia concept to be more entrenched and
and wholly and easily to be accepted by society," he said.

Dr Rais said the time had come for the nation to see how to produce
musicians who could make the music industry a rewarding one.

Dr Rais said beginning next year all producers of dramas and documentaries
who had transmission slots of more than 13 hours over Malaysian government-owned
public broadcaster, RTM, would be asked to contribute to a fund for local
artistes.

He said besides promoting the local arts industry the fund was also expected
to used to aid artistes who did not have a fixed income.

"The fund is to help out...as of now we cannot set a contribution amount but
we will work on the details soon," he said.
-- BERNAMA