Datuk Lat Urges Malaysian Artists to Continue Creating, Even in Retirement

IPOH, March 22, 2026 – National Laureate Datuk Mohammad Nor Mohammad Khalid, widely known as Datuk Lat, has encouraged Malaysian art practitioners to maintain their creative discipline and continue working even after retirement, ensuring the continued relevance of the nation’s artistic landscape. His remarks came on National Artiste Day, observed annually on March 22nd to honor the contributions of local artists.

The Importance of Continuous Creation

Datuk Lat emphasized that the true fulfillment for an artist lies in the ongoing pursuit of creative work. He believes the desire to create should not diminish with age or retirement. “I hope art practitioners in any field do not isolate themselves but instead continue striving and creating,” he stated, as reported by Malay Mail. He shared that despite his own retirement, he remains actively engaged in his craft, currently working on a new comic.

Government Support and Public Appreciation

Lat also noted the increasing government attention towards the creative industry, which he believes has fostered greater public appreciation and engagement with artistic works. “Even in the past, we appreciated artists, but now there is greater attention from the government, allowing the public to enjoy and understand local art more deeply,” he said. The New Straits Times also reported on this sentiment.

Preserving Local Identity in Art

Maintaining a distinct local identity within artistic creations is crucial for enduring value, according to Datuk Lat. He cited the enduring popularity of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s work as an example, attributing it to its strong sense of cultural identity. Weekly Echo highlighted his view that art forms like Malay pop music thrive because of their unique identity, warning against simply imitating Western styles, which can lead to fleeting trends.

National Artiste Day and the Creative Community

National Artiste Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of P. Ramlee, serves as a reminder of the vital contributions of Malaysia’s creative community. The Malay Tribune reported that calls are being made to elevate the celebration into a larger festival, recognizing all facets of the arts industry – including production crews, writers, directors, musicians, and artists – not just performers.

Datuk Lat’s message underscores the importance of sustained creativity and the preservation of cultural identity within Malaysia’s vibrant arts scene.