Health minister confirms no payments for star-studded Raya bash

Summary

• Health minister confirms no payment made for star-studded Raya celebration.

• Dzulkefly says celebrities’ attendance and performances were done voluntarily.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed that no payment was made for the performances by several well-known celebrities during the ministry’s Hari Raya celebration on Tuesday.

In a brief statement, Dzulkefly said the attendance and performances by Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, Norsyarmilla Jirin (Mila AF), and Jamal Abdillah were done voluntarily to celebrate the presence of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Health Ministry staff.

The Kuala Selangor MP added that Siti Nurhaliza herself had confirmed that she was not paid for her performance.

As for Jamal, Dzulkefly (above) said only a token of appreciation was given to the singer and actor.

“Tok Ti (Siti Nurhaliza) attended as a guest representative of Yayasan Nurjiwa. Mila AF also did not charge a fee,” he said.

Earlier, the comment section of Dzulkefly’s Facebook page became a platform for some individuals to express criticism and dissatisfaction over the ministry’s decision to host a Hari Raya event involving popular celebrities.

Among others, they questioned the expenditure incurred for paying the artistes.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that Jamal agreed to perform at the event after receiving an invitation from the ministry secretary-general, who is a personal acquaintance.

Strengthening bonds

According to Dzulkefly, this year’s Hari Raya celebration was held at the ministry’s complex and attended by many healthcare workers.

“Hopefully, this gracious and friendly gathering will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and love among the big family,” he added.

In a social media post yesterday, Siti Nurhaliza said she went to the ministry’s open house as a guest, and not as an artiste invited to perform.

“I sang because I want to appreciate the ministry’s staff, voluntarily and without any payment,” she said.

“I don’t want more people to continue slandering when my name is mentioned in the news based on my performance at the function,” she said.

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