Over the past couple of days, Malaysia has been caught in an unprecedented wave of Oscar-fever after Ipoh-born actress, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, made history by becoming not just the first-ever Malaysian and Southeast Asian, but Asian woman in Academy history to win Best Actress at the award show’s 95th iteration on Monday.
Malaysia congratulates Michelle Yeoh for her Oscar, but not PU Syed
And among the prominent names locally to have congratulated her on her success include His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and local songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza.
But it would appear that the warm reception for Michelle’s win has not been met with universal applause, as local religious preacher PU Syed appeared to be less than impressed with the groundbreaking moment. In a post that was recently shared to his socials, the controversial preacher questioned the need for such fanfare over her success at the Oscars.
“What is there to be proud of about the Oscars?
Brings pride to Malaysia? What is there to be proud of?
We cannot be proud of something that doesn’t benefit religious affairs. Leave that to the faithless.” he wrote.
Of course, this hasn’t been the first time that the religious preacher has been vocal over his disapproval for performance arts and the entertainment industry, as he had previously threatened to rally against South Korean girl group BLACKPINK’s concert in Malaysia and had even ‘prayed’ that it would flood at the concert venue to prevent it from being held.
Netizens have been quick to criticise Syed’s unnecessary condemnation of Michelle’s achievement since it went viral across social media.
“Syed, can you just keep quiet for a moment? You make people of other races angry, do you understand?”
“Everything is negative. Hmmmm. We just celebrated her winning an Oscar, not supporting or encouraging LGBT because of her role. We’re not about to take to the streets from KLCC to Pavilion holding up banners with Michelle Yeoh’s face, ustaz. Just congratulating her for her best talent.”
“Of course she isn’t bringing pride to the Islamic faith. But she brings pride to Malaysia. Malaysia is a multicultural country. That’s it.”
“Why do you have to make an issue out of everything, uncle? Uncle, you are supposed to set an example for Muslims in the country and Malaysians. Did Michelle Yeoh embarrass Malaysians or Islam? You really are too much. Next time, stay quiet uncle. You don’t have to condemn others.”
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Also read: HK actor Chapman To ‘reminds’ HK govt that Michelle Yeoh is from M’sia after her historic Oscar win
