News Straits Times, 22 May 2004

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri. - "Accept maids as part of your family and treat them with the proper respect."

This was the heart-felt message by the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood to all employers of maids.

"They help keep your house in order and although they are paid for their services, their relationship is much more personal," she said after launching the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in a hotel here today.

By having familial ties, it would create a healthier living environment for the households.

"Would you do something like that to your own family? I cannot imagine it," she said, referring to the horrific abuse of 19-year-old maid Nirmala Bonat which led to a nationwide outcry and condemnation. "Maids are people too and we must care for them. I believe if you treat your maid well, she will treat you the same way."

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described the act as "shameful" and "despicable", promising that the perpetrators would not get away.

In the ceremony earlier, Endon said the creation of the new performing arts centre was a significant milestone in promoting arts and culture.

"It is timely that this initiative is in place," she said. "I believe this centre will complement the Government's programme to develop and sustain performing arts."

Located in Sentul, the centre boasts a 500-seat theatre, 10 studios, resource centre and a performing arts academy. Costing RM12 million, it will be opened in December.

The centre is developed by YTL Corporation Bhd, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia and the Actors Studio.

Also present were Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, his wife Datin Seri Mazliah Rais, Actors Studio founders Joe Hasham and Faridah Merican, Yayasan Budi Penyayang chief executive Leela Mohd Ali and YTL managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh.