Many, especially arts practitioners and those in the arts and culture industries were dismayed that there was no mention of Arts and Culture in the current cabinet line-up under the Anwar Ibrahim administration. Why does arts and culture always seem to play second fiddle to other industries, and why is Malaysia’s focus on the art industry so low despite it being so rich, given our diversity? We discuss this and more with Ali Alasri, an artist and researcher, with a performing arts background and Bilqis Hijjas, the Director of Rimbun Dahan, who are both part of ReformARTsi, a coalition of 118 Malaysian artists and 55 arts organisations advocating for policy change in the areas of finance for the arts, arts education, and freedom of expression. 

*This interview was recorded before YB Dato Seri Tiong King Sing made the announcement that the Arts and Culture portfolio will remain under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Any confusion is deeply regretted.

Image Credit: Five Arts Centre Malaysia