A coalition of 11 associations representing artistes and creative industry players is still waiting for a response from the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.

This is on the group’s demand for higher rates for content aired on television, as part of its ‘Switch Off ‘14 - Program Interrupted’ campaign .

Chairperson of the group Jurey Latiff Rosli ( right ) said the minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek, did not address the issue it raised during a post-budget briefing for the digital creative content industry in Angkasapuri last night.

“To date, the ministry has not given any direct response, although there were questions regarding the issue that were raised during the budget briefing yesterday,” Jurey told Malaysiakini when contacted.

He said the coalition will raise the issue again during a meeting between artistes and Ahmad Shabery in Subang on Oct 30.

“I will wait until Oct 30 to voice our 11 demands, because we feel that in smaller meetings, the honourable minister will listen. So we will tell him there what the Switch Off campaign wants.”

On Tuesday, the group launched a campaign urging viewers to switch off their televisions sets from 8pm to 11pm on Nov 11 as a sign of protest.

Coalition wants Creative Content Industry Act

Among others, they demanded for a Creative Content Industry Act, more reasonable intellectual property rights, fairer allocation of TV programming slots, with emphasis on having 70 percent local content, and enforcement of the Paducitra and Made in Malaysia policies.

Asked about reports that Malaysia Film Producers Association (PFM), Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia (Profima) and Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia’s (Karyawan) intend to retract support for the campaign, Jurey said he still has the backing of other associations and individuals.

Jurey, who is also president of the Federation of Screen Guild Malaysia (Gafim), remained upbeat that the government would listen to their demands.

“We represent everyone. Gafim alone represents 10 associations, and add to that other individuals (who are involved in the arts industry).

“So, we are more numerous than their associations. Which one is the government going to listen to? Surely the government would listen to the majority,” he added.

NADIA OTHMAN is a trainee reporter at Malaysiakini .