KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — Gombak MP Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has called for a long-term national blueprint to develop Malaysia’s creative economy, similar to the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), he said the industry remains fragmented and underutilised despite growing global demand for digital content and cultural exports.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, urged the government to emulate South Korea’s early investments in content development, copyright reform, and industry incentives that helped catapult its films, music, and television into a global cultural force.
“Malaysia already has quality examples such as Upin and Ipin, which made it to Hollywood, as well as Ejen Ali, Mechamato, and many others. In fact, in recent years, we have been proud of certain subsectors.
“Our advertising industry, for instance, was once highly advanced, producing deeply moving and emotional advertisements that became part of our national identity.
“These cultural assets and values, however, will fade with time if not supported by government backing and the creation of high-quality content. Without this, I fear they may disappear or even be taken and commercialised elsewhere,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Amirudin added that the creative industry’s development has been hampered by institutional fragmentation, with culture often lumped under the tourism or communication ministries.
Globally, the creative industry is now championed not only by organisations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), but also by international institutions like the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
He noted that this encourages countries to take the creative economy more seriously, recognising its vast potential to generate employment.
“I believe Malaysia must now have a clear, structured policy; a comprehensive blueprint with targeted development plans, key sectors, and designated hubs, to build a sustainable creative industry.
“Only then can we ensure that in 30 years’ time, Malaysian pop will be a sensation across the globe, not just in this country,” Amirudin said.
