ASN 2026 Postponed Following Government's Austerity Measures – MOTAC

PUTRAJAYA, June 23 (Bernama) -- The organisation of the National Arts Awards (ASN) 2026, which was scheduled to take place this year, has been postponed to a date to be announced later, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

In a statement today, MOTAC said the decision was made in line with the implementation of expenditure control measures for the ministry's management for this year, as part of the government's efforts to strengthen public financial management in a prudent, efficient, and integrity-driven manner.

"This step also takes into account the current needs of the country in ensuring that financial resource management is carried out responsibly and focused on national priorities," said the statement.

MOTAC said that any further developments regarding ASN 2026 will be communicated from time to time via MOTAC's official channels.

However, MOTAC emphasised that the postponement only involves the award ceremony and does not affect the government's commitment to strengthening the country's arts and culture sector.

"Various capacity development programmes, empowerment of the arts industry, heritage conservation, and cultural expansion initiatives will continue to be implemented according to the established plan," said the statement.

MOTAC also expressed appreciation to art practitioners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), cultural institutions, and stakeholders who have shown commitment and cooperation in the preparations for ASN 2026.

According to MOTAC, ASN remains an important agenda for the ministry as the highest national recognition for figures and practitioners who have made outstanding contributions to the country's arts development.

"MOTAC will continue to assess the suitability of its (ASN) organisation in the future based on the current positions and government priorities," added the statement.

-- BERNAMA