Anwar Ibrahim pledges support for Malaysia’s creative industry

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged continued government support for the creative industry and arts practitioners to elevate Malaysian culture to an international level. Speaking after attending the musical theatre production ‘Mansur & Liu’ at Istana Budaya, Anwar praised the performance as one of the best he has witnessed in the country, noting its potential to stand alongside global productions.

Directed by Datuk M. Nasir, the musical is an adaptation of the ‘Sulalatus Salatin’ (Malay Annals), depicting the historical and diplomatic relationship between Sultan Mansur Shah of the Malacca Sultanate and Princess Liu of the Ming Dynasty. Anwar emphasized that cultural empowerment is an integral component of national economic growth and development. He noted that for the local arts sector to thrive, sustained support from both the government and the private sector is necessary to provide better facilities and resources.