Nearing time of peace in Malaysian music industry: Karyawan welcomes M. Nasir's call for amicable negotiation

The Star

01-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) welcomes the call by Datuk M. Nasir, Chairman of the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP), urging all parties in the music industry to pursue peaceful negotiations in resolving the ongoing conflict involving the Malaysian Artistes Association Karyawan, 3P Muzik Malaysia, and the three collective management organisations (CMOs) — MACP, PPM, and RPM.
"We agree that consultation and negotiation are the best course of action, and legal proceedings should be the last resort, as they may jeopardise the sustainability and future of the country's creative practitioners," said Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez in an interview with The Star.
He added that Karyawan acknowledges that many of the issues stem from a lack of mutual understanding among stakeholders within the national music ecosystem.
"Therefore, we call for a comprehensive dialogue involving all relevant parties — including arts associations, royalty collection bodies, authorities, and key stakeholders — to find a fair and realistic resolution.
"Most importantly, all parties involved, who form the backbone of our national music industry, must stand on a solid foundation based on their respective roles. Only through this approach can the music industry grow harmoniously, without imbalances that may disadvantage any party," said Freddie.
"We sincerely hope that all parties can come together to find a solution that is not biased but instead benefits the entire music industry in a balanced and equitable manner."
Karyawan, also said Freddie, firmly believes that only through open democratic dialogue, coupled with a spirit of tolerance and cooperation, can we rebuild the national music industry and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Earlier on Monday, Malaysian music legend Nasir said that he sees peaceful negotiations are the best solution to the issues concerning the three Collective Management Organisations (CMO).
Nasir, a popular singer, composer and producer, said during the press conference for the "Datuk M N46ir Cipta 3 Concert " that the issue has also been brought to the legal level and he cannot comment much on the case.
"This matter has been brought to the legal level. But negotiations are the best solution," he said in local media reports.
Meanwhile, the President of 3P Muzik Malaysia, Aris Ariwatan expressed disappointment with the refusal of three CMOs in the music industry who did not agree with the Copyright Guidelines for Collective Management Organisations 2025 under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).
"It is difficult to say, but it is also difficult not to say. Because the three CMO chairmen can be said to be our friends and our members. Not anyone else.
"But I would like to ask everyone involved not to go too far to the point of appearing rude to disregard the government guidelines. The guidelines settle so many issues that musicians have had in the past," he said.
The media conference held recently in collaboration with the Karyawan was held to find a solution with the MACP, PPM and RPM, who were seen not complying with the new ruling made by the government on the issue of royalty collection.