“In line with the development planned by Malaysian government, the state government under my leadership emphasizes on balanced development and also inter-cultural development. Therefore, the state government had revived the Institut Seni Malaysia Melaka in the hope that the institute can create Malacca's own artistic community who are experts in various types of field.”

Excerpt from the speech by Chief Minister of Malacca during launching of ISMMA on 27 February 2001.