KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing National Film Development Corporation (Finas) chief executive officer Prof Dr Md Nasir Ibrahim has thanked the government for giving him the opportunity to helm the film corporation for two years.
Describing his tenure from Nov 1, 2021 to yesterday as a "fruitful and productive one", Md Nasir said that he had a good team to help him and they had brought some much-needed improvements to Finas and the film industry.
"I was rather shocked when the government announced the end of my contract with Finas via an official letter at 4.30pm yesterday.
"No reasons were given, except that it was an order from the minister (Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil)," said Md Nasir at a press conference in Grand Barakah Hotel, Ampang Point today.
"Nevertheless I am happy that the letter mentioned the government's appreciation for my hard work and contributions to Finas. They acknowledged that I had worked almost daily to keep the film industry going especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, a very challenging time," said Md Nasir.
Md Nasir added that he was glad to have helped in the restructuring of Finas to make it a more competitive organisation and participated in missions to neighbouring countries as China to secure cooperation between Malaysian and foreign film companies.
"Under my watch we successfully attracted foreign production companies to film here via the Film In Malaysia Incentive or FIMI.
"We also took action against 47 companies which abused RM22 million worth of project funds which we gave out between 2015 and 2019. Their abuse was promptly reported to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission," said Md Nasir, adding that no abuses of funds by companies occurred during his brief tenure.
Md Nasir thanked all entertainment industry organisations for working with him to improve the industry and wished them all the best in their endeavours.