The government is studying initiatives to strengthen the Nordin Ahmad Gallery, with Fahmi Fadzil proposing digital upgrades and support from FINAS.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The government will look into suitable initiatives to enhance the Nordin Ahmad Gallery at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Pasir here as an effort to preserve Malay art and film treasures for the viewing of future generations.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said he would hold discussions with the Unity Ministry to see the form of assistance, support or advisory services in managing the gallery since the museum falls under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
He said the efforts made by Penang art and professional activists to uphold the legacy of the late Datuk Nordin Ahmad should be supported because the figure was one of the important icons in the golden era of Malay film.
“Datuk Nordin Ahmad’s prominence cannot be disputed and I see efforts like this opening a new chapter, especially for the younger generation to get to know not only his works, songs, but also a little bit about the history of the late Datuk Nordin Ahmad’s life,” he told reporters after visiting the gallery today.
Fahmi also toured the interactive exhibition space featuring archival photos, memorabilia and digital materials related to the late Nordin Ahmad, who was one of the leading actors and big stars during the classic Malay film era.
Also present were the chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and the president of the Penang Karyawan Association Datuk Dr Sohaimi Abdul Aziz.
Fahmi said he would ask FINAS to help provide archival materials including old film clips in high resolution to enrich the gallery’s collection.
He also suggested that the content and presentation methods at the gallery be improved to be more interactive and closer to young people, including taking advantage of digital technology and social media content.
“There are many ways, including providing filters or backgrounds for young people to create TikTok content, so we will help this gallery continue to grow,” he said.
Galeri Karyawan Nordin Ahmad was opened in January 2025 to showcase the life and work of the Permatang Pauh native, known for his iconic roles in the films Semerah Padi (1956) and Hang Jebat (1961).
Through the Seberang Perai Town Grant Programme under Levelling Up Seberang Perai (LUSP), with support from the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department and the Penang Museum and Art Gallery Board, part of the historic building of Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Pasir, built in 1888 and also where the late schoolboy went to school, was renovated into the gallery.
After 55 years of his passing, the Malay film legend was posthumously awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) which carries the title of Datuk at the State Awards, Stars and Medals of Honour Ceremony in conjunction with the 85th Birthday of the Yang Dipertua Negeri Pulau Pinang Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on July 11.
