He is named after a musical legend yet growing up, Elvis Senan never heard of his namesake.
But in an ironic twist, Elvis has found himself in the musical business just like Elvis Presley, albeit as a disc jockey instead of a singer.
Elvis, who goes by the moniker Elvis DJNaughty, has gained some attention for his one-man ‘protest’ to protect the rights of event management companies in the country.
Yesterday, he began posting pictures of himself at Pasar Malam and malls while holding up a homemade banner which reads: ‘Save Malaysia Event Industry’.
“The industry is dying and many companies have folded,” said Elvis, who was born in Kelantan but grew up all over Malaysia.
“I used to be a mechanic before finding my passion in music. I’m a self-taught DJ and after many years of working, started my own event management firm recently.
“I also started a DJ academy but had to downsize as there is no income coming in to pay the rent.
“The place I’m at now is half the space it used to be as money is fast running out.”
The 36-year-old said his ‘protest’ was done in a respectful manner as he appreciates the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of Covid-19.
He, however, is perplexed as to why pasar malam, which is often overcrowded with many not following standard operating procedures, are allowed to open but companies can’t hold events and people can’t hold wedding receptions.
“I don’t understand why events and weddings can’t be held but pasar malam and malls can continue even though many of those places are overcrowded,” said Elvis.
“Events, if allowed, would be held under strict SOPs and physical distancing. We would have to get a police permit and Rela officers are usually in attendance too.
“As such, I appeal to the government to consider allowing such activities as many of us are dying.”
He added some of those in the industry are suffering from depression while others have borrowed money from loan sharks to make ends meet.
Elvis said he seldom does corporate events as his main source of incomes are from weddings.
He had a job in September and several bookings for October but after the Klang Valley was placed under Conditional Movement Order (CMCO) on Oct 14, those jobs had to be postponed or cancelled.
“I started from nothing but managed to save up to start my own company and DJ academy but now most of my savings are gone because of the situation we are in,” he said.
He hopes others in the event industry will speak up and that the authorities take notice of their problems.
Here’s a round-up of The News Normal today.
TOP GLOVE FACING CHARGES
Top Glove is among several companies facing charges under the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
Labour Department director-general Asri Ab Rahman said 63 charges involving several companies and employers, including Top Glove, have been referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office for further action.
Twenty-eight Top Glove factories in Klang have been temporarily shut for Covid-19 screening and quarantine.
GOMBAK MP AZMIN ALI SUED BY CONSTITUENTS
Ten voters from the Gombak Parliamentary constituency are suing their elected representative, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
They are claiming he breached his fiduciary duty and representations to his constituents. The 10 claim Azmin had deceived voters who he had courted on grounds of ousting Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election but has now allied himself with the same in the Perikatan Nasional government.
Those suing Azmin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, are Affandy Abd Raof Faiz, 56; B. Balasuntharam, 52; Fatimah Begum Abu Bakar, 67; Koo Kim Seng, 45; Mazidah Mohd Noor, 55; Md Yusof Ismail, 64; Muhammad Safwan Md Anuar, 36; R. Prasath, 46; S.Ramaksihnan, 60; and M. Subashini, 51.
The plaintiffs are also seeking a declaration that Azmin had breached his constitutional oath under Article 59(1) read together with the 6th schedule of the Federal Constitution by breaching the representations.
MALAYSIA DROPS 10 SPOTS IN GENDER GAP INDEX
The Department of Statistics Malaysia has reported that gender equality level dropped to 70.9 per cent with political empowerment recording the lowest score with eight states registering score under national equality level.
Based on the 2019 Malaysia Gender Gap Index, Malaysia dropped 10 places globally to 73 compared to a year ago.
Within East Asia and the Pacific, Malaysia remained at sixth position as in 2018 – ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, China and Brunei but behind New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.
DOCTORS MUST JOIN HANDS TO HAVE STRONGER VOICE
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is the largest medical association representing doctors in the public service and private sector.
Yet, according to Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr John Teo, MMA’s membership is just over 10,000 while the latest doctors’ registration is way over 70,000!
He says some doctors still believe it doesn’t matter whether they join MMA or not as it really doesn’t affect them much.
