By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Ipoh City Council (MBI) is still in the process negotiating with the heirs of the late Mamat Khalid to establish an art gallery in Ipoh, said Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
He said his side needed to get approval from the heirs to place his items and works in Mamat Khalid’s inspiration gallery which will be based in Kampung Kuchai, here.
“We are negotiating with the heirs of Mamat Khalid, the site for the gallery already exists and it was originally intended to be an (art gallery), but when Mamat Khalid died, it stopped temporarily.
“We do have to negotiate with the heirs, if we make (a gallery) even once but if the items are not agreed to be placed in the gallery, then we lose. If the heirs agree, then we can continue.
“If the heirs agree, then we will take it to the state government level, so far we have not received confirmation from the family. We have met with the heirs twice,” he said.
Rumaizi said this when asked to comment on the status of Mamat Khalid’s inspired art gallery which was previously said to be established in Kampung Kuchai area.
It is to realize the negotiations between MBI and the late Mamat Khalid during his lifetime.
Asked if he was optimistic that the project would be successful in the near future, Rumaizi said that the opportunity was bright due to the good cooperation of the family.
“God willing, so far I think they are really interested, but there may be some issues that need to be resolved before the gallery can be realized,” he said.
Previously the media reported that an art gallery will be established in Kampung Kuchai area in Ipoh.
The gallery will add value to the state’s tourism products, especially in Pekan Lama, Ipoh.
Throughout his artistic career, the late Mamat has produced many successful films in the market such as Hantu Kak Limah, Zombie Kampung Pisang, Mak Laksa, Rock Oo Rock Bro and many more.
Earlier, Rumaizi was met by reporters after officiating the MBI Inter-Sector Panjut Festival program at Padang Ipoh, last night.
