YA1M assistance for 20 Sabahan artists
Published on: Friday, September 30, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: About 800 artists throughout the country had received assistance from the 1Malaysia Artists Foundation (YA1M) since its establishment four years ago.Its President Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, better known as DJ Dave, said of the figure, about 100 artists are from Sabah."Today (Thursday), we are honouring 20 local Sabahan artists by giving them monetary contribution from YA1M. ADVERTISEMENT "This aid is a token of appreciation for veteran singers, musicians and actors for their contribution in the local entertainment industry," he said during the contribution presentation ceremony, here, Thursday.The contribution was presented by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman where each artist received RM2,000.DJ Dave said the contribution is one of YA1M's agenda and mission to take care of the welfare of local artists."Apart from contribution during festive seasons and annual contribution presentation ceremonies, the foundation also provides assistance to artists who are sick as well as the families of deceased artists."ADVERTISEMENT Musa commended YA1M's effort, saying artists are "extraordinary people as not everyone can sing, play musical instruments or act."One of the recipients, Datuk Pat Michael, said he was thankful for the contribution and recognition given to him and his friends.
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"Such recognition can lift up the spirits of veteran artists like me…I started singing since mid-1960s and I still sing now," said the famous Kadazan singer who has recorded about 80 songs.Florence Airence Thadeus, another recipient, concurred with Pat's views, saying the contribution made veteran artists feel that they are not being left out."I am sure that all of the recipients are happy with the contribution. Plus, today (Thursday) is our day where we can have a mini reunion and be happy," she said.The other recipients were Datuk Justine Stimol, Rimbah Osman, MY Ibrahim, Frankie Limus, Basil Lazaroo, Japri Eman, Harun Osman, Kim Cheong Wah, Justin Limus, Khalil Ahmad Noor Mohamed, Sakmad @ Awang Opong @ Mohd Tajudin, Aloysius Mojilis, Normah Ahmad, P.Dick Ganai, Hanizam Abdullah, Surianto Sumadi, Sadia Boro and Mahmud Mohammad @ Azad Al'Thahiri with ages ranging from 54-79.DJ Dave also said the recipients were selected with the help of local artists associations and "we find for ourselves in some cases and some are even my friends.""It is not really about the money but more on the recognition given to them."He also hoped that more big companies or corporations will aid the foundation in their mission.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"We welcome any help from all quarters, especially now contributors for YA1M can receive tax exemption."Even though the foundation is currently being funded by the government it would be good to get more help from other quarters so that we can help more artists," he said.