SABAH TODAY

BY SABAHTODAY
KOTA KINABALU: The sudden disappearance of artwork painted at the ‘Pillars of Sabah’ is shocking and saddening, said Parti Warisan on Monday.

Its Kota Kinabalu branch chief, Samuel Wong lamented that the GRS government should be more mindful and supportive of Sabah’s local talent.

“Pillars of Sabah’ is a community project that made use of colonial building ruins located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, bringing local artists together to project their talents.”

“So the Government should appreciate the contributions of these local talents. Not only Sabah’s heritage can be projected to tourists, we also get to nurture home-grown talent.”

Samuel said it is waste that this initiative has come to an abrupt stop.

“In fact for so many years, this community initiative was supported by the State Government. Be it Barisan Nasional or Warisan. But why all of a sudden, GRS/PN decided to erase all these artwork without informing the artists.

“If there is a future planning for this site, the state government should have had the courtesy to inform the artists who have worked tirelessly on the paintings. Do not let their effort go in vain,” Samuel pointed out.

Elaborating, Samuel said that GRS seem to have a bad track record in terms of preserving and promoting art and culture.

“I remember not too long ago, (KK) Town Hall’s announced its decision to demolish the old State Library.”

“There were public suggestions to turn it into an art gallery promoting Sabah’s heritage. But the suggestion was not entertained. The old State Library is now being demolished.”

Towards the end, Samuel said it is time for the Sabah Goverment to relook into its directions and policies.

“Sabah relies a lot on tourism money. Although the pandemic is affecting the tourism sector, this does not mean we should dismantle our heritage.”

“The government should relook into its policies and directions regarding art and heritage.”