Amend Copyright Act to enable Malaysian artiste to be continuously paid royalties - PM

AMPANG - Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the long-standing film royalty issue as well as other issues raised by Malaysian artistes will be reviewed if Barisan Nasional (BN) is given a chance to continue to govern after the 15th General Election (GE15).

He said discussions have been held on the need for the enactment of entertainment industry-related law for the well-being of the artistes

He said amendments to the Copyright Act must be made for those in the film industry to be continuously paid royalties for the ongoing use of their works aired on television.

He also said there was a need to look into the benefit of aged film stars who were struggling adding that if they get royalties continuously, they will be able to afford to live a comfortable life.

Citing the late Tan Sri P.Ramlee, Ismail Sabri said the film icon and his family had struggled as they did not get any royalties although the former's movies have been repeatedly aired on television.

“I hope the matter will be reviewed in the interest of Malaysian artistes,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Keluarga Malaysia Creative Community Exploration Programme (Ekspresi@Finas) at Kompleks Studio Merdeka, here, today.

He added that the issues voiced out by artistes in the country will be considered if BN was given the chance to continue as the government after GE15.

“If we are given the chance to continue to govern, issues related to Malaysian artistes such as acts (amendment of law) or entertainment tax will be considered,” he said.

It was reported that on June 1, the adopted son of the late P. Ramlee, Sazali, expressed his concerns over his father's song royalty contract from the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP) which will expire next year.