Malaysian government to consider limitation on Indonesian song

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 09/09/2008 7:12 PM  |  National

Malaysia's communications authority will consider a proposal from the country's association of music industry employees, Karyawan, demanding Indonesian songs on radio shows be limited.

Malaysian Power, Water and Communication Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor said in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday that his ministry would meet with other related ministries to discuss the proposal.

"We will hear and discuss about how to help the local music industry. We also want to hear their views on how the industry can grow in the future," Shaziman said as quoted by Berita Harian.

Earlier, Karyawan submitted a proposal signed by 700 of its members demanding a 90 percent quota on local content to be aired on Malaysian radios, in a bid to curb the domination of Indonesia songs on the airwaves.

Karyawan chairman Freddie Fernandez said that Malaysia's music industry was in a critical condition and that the quota was necessary to support local artists.

"This problem arises because private radio stations are too free in airing foreign songs or Indonesian songs, corrupting listeners' sense of identity without considering how it would affect local music industry," Freddie said.

"We don't want this country to end like Singapore, whose music Industry is now buried, not to mention all the royalties that go abroad without being enjoyed by local artists," Freddie.

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Sing-a-pore (not verified) — Mon, 12/01/2008 - 10:51pm

agreed.

hahaha... are malay music really that bad? (i myself love peterpan so much ;p)

nlpeter (not verified) — Tue, 09/16/2008 - 4:21am

In my opinion people should be free to listen to the music of their own choice. If the Malaysian government wants to support its local music industry it should find other ways. I consider the act of blocking access to Indonesian music as a sign of weakness.

People in different countries (especially politicians) should enjoy and respect each others cultures, instead of blocking access to it. I respect and enjoy both Malaysia and Indonesia, both countries have a lot to offer. Maybe Indonesia performs better on music. So what? Malaysia has other qualities.

Music is supposed to unite us, not divide us.

Regards, nlpeter (the Indonesian song singer from Holland)

(my website attracts many Malaysian visitors as well)

Aysa (not verified) — Mon, 09/15/2008 - 9:09am

Why so bother with any nation musicians and the songs ???
For this thing, I think I am so proud of the way of Indonesian way to be so open with any other musicians come from all over the world, and let them perform here, either in Jakarta or other city without being suspicious or threatened with their music and the songs because the taste of the music can accept no matter where country you are from. Be grown up please....
If the malaysian song / music is not so good then find the way how to make it so much better, and that is more proud rather than banned other musician to be heard or played in the radio. Hope the silly things not always happen in the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia, because each country has a good thing so does your country, but perhaps in different element.

Matt murdock (not verified) — Wed, 09/10/2008 - 8:01am

My brother in Malaysia, why don't you leave this matter to the market. Let market, or let your people decides the quality of our music. If in reality, majority of your people choose Indonesian music, then be wise to accept that. Don't let people think that Malaysian musicians are afraid of competition. Actually, according to rumor among Malaysian citizens, Indonesian music is far more enjoyable rather than Malay music.

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