Sabah Artist For International.

Sabah Broadcasting Director, Ali Ngasio, called on Sabahan artistes to reach out to the international level, maintain their authenticity and sing from their hearts and souls.

He said they could sing a duet with popular international singers like Sting, citing as example Cheb Mami, an Alegrian, who had a duet with him.

"Why not we also do the same?" he asked.

He also said local artistes must be unique and original.

According to him, the combination of one's authenticity, feel of the song, exposure, ethnic variety and harmonious living depicting the life of Sabahans are among the ingredients that make Sabahans more talented than other Malaysians.

He envisioned a situation where famous musicians listened and enjoyed our local songs.

"Of course, this competition aims to encourage the birth of Malay songs.

But after this, out of this competition, I also request composers to compose songs in other languages such as Chinese, Tamil and so on.

"Why not take the initiative to convert Malay songs into Chinese and vice versa or compose songs in other languages?" This is also a good harmonious idea," said Ali after a press conference in relation to season five of the "Anugerah Juara Carta Lagu Artis Sabah" at RTM, here, Monday.

Meanwhile, Sabah RTM Director Lailah Elok said to feel a song one must be with the song and proposed the idea of emulating those successful in the industry.

"Feel the music, go with the lyrics, wrap yourself around it, and if you have personally experienced the lyrics of what you are singing, that's even better. If you feel lost, talk to your composers, about your problems and on how you are supposed to perform your songs. Ask for ideas and learn," advised Lailah.

She also said many singers have been born from RTM.

"Among them are Siti Nurhaliza, Sudirman and Jamal Abdillah.

Siti Nurhaliza is one of the Malaysian singers to have started from RTM and has made a duet with more than one international singer.

If she can do it, others can too," she said.