{
  "id": 8572782,
  "title": "PM calls for greater support for arts after praising Mansur & Liu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/pm-calls-for-greater-support-for-arts-after-praising-mansur-liu",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T00:50:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/culture/127480/pm-calls-for-greater-support-for-arts-after-praising-mansur-liu"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for increased government and private-sector backing for the nation's arts industry, lauding the musical theatre production Mansur & Liu as one of the country's finest productions. The large-scale show, directed by acclaimed music maestro Datuk M Nasir, demonstrated that local theatre capabilities rival international standards, according to Anwar. Speaking after watching the performance at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar emphasized the importance of cultural empowerment and highlighted that the production exceeded his expectations, being comparable to some foreign theatre works. He expressed gratitude for witnessing the local performing arts' achievements and congratulated M Nasir and all those involved in the production. Mansur & Liu, directed by Nasir for the first time, depicted the life of Melaka's sixth Sultan, Sultan Mansur Shah, and Princess Liu of the Ming Dynasty, drawing from historical records known as Sulalatus Salatin or Malay Annals. The show ran for 11 days from September 10 and concluded tonight.",
  "summary": "PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater government and private-sector support for Malaysia’s arts sector after praising the musical theatre production Mansur & Liu as one of the best local productions he has seen. Anwar said th...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim praises Mansur & Liu as top local production",
    "Director Datuk M Nasir compares show to foreign theatre works",
    "Production ran for 11 days from September 10, concluding tonight"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The prime minister's endorsement of Mansur & Liu and call for greater support signals a potential boost for Malaysia's arts industry, elevating its status and possibly increasing investment.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}