KUCHING: The heritage building of Rumah Sarawak in Reservoir Park will be used as the permanent office of the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) after receiving approval from the Sarawak Government.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the building, which was previously the office and official residence of the Chief Minister, was chosen because of its peaceful environment and is very conducive for the development of the arts.

“Artists need such an atmosphere because they need ample meditation to discover new inspirations, whether in dance and so on, therefore it is the right environment.

“Alhamdulillah, the state government has agreed to make the entire hill area (Jalan Hill) the Sarawak Arts Council area,” he said when speaking at the MSS Programme with the Media in Kuching on Tuesday.

However, he added that the building needs to undergo a renovation process before it can be fully utilised as the official MSS office.

In this regard, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said that his ministry has identified a temporary office in Kuching to ensure that all arts development activities can continue without interruption.

According to him, although the main office is still under renovation, arts development activities such as learning, singing classes, guidance classes and others must continue.

“I am awaiting a letter from the Sarawak Arts Council Chief Executive Officer because it is most likely that we will use the place as a temporary office.

“This means MSS will have a temporary office and I will have to submit the same letter to the Cabinet and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg for approval, which I believe will not pose an issue.

“This way, our planning for the future will be clearer and more comprehensive,” he said. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Muhammad Ramzani
Translator: Nerissa Sia