Michelle Yeoh being attacked by Netizens for supporting BN

Netizens are targeting international artistes with criticism performing in two star-studded pro-establishment events last night.Among them are Ipoh-born international actress Michelle Yeoh (far right, in white) who had attended a meet-the-people session with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in Port Klang, and the Hong Kong cantopop singer Alan Tam who had made an appearance at the 1Malaysia Charity Dinner in Penang.

At a mega-dinner in Klang yesterday, Yeoh praised Najib’s leadership and urged the public to continue to support him.

For this, netizens criticised her for only pretending to “fight oppressive governments” while playing as Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in the film The Lady, but “fights the suffering people” when off camera.Singer wants clean pollsMeanwhile, Malaysian-born and China-based singer Eric Moo was branded a “traitor” by netizens after previously saying that he would return to Malaysia to perform at the charity dinner in Penang, but would not be returning to vote.

However, after ending his performance last night, he openly expressed hope that Malaysia would always have fair elections, which would in turn put in power a government that would serve peoples of all race and religions.

As for Tam, he explained on Facebook that he did not have a full understanding of the 1Malaysia Charity Dinner beforehand, and an agreement has already been signed. However, he pledged that his group will take the episode as a lesson.

“In the past few days, everyone has communicated their analysis, their thoughts, their advice, their understanding, and even their anger to us; we are aware of this and thank you for this valuable lesson.

“I don’t blame my colleagues, they are just doing their jobs. I will pass on your opinions to my colleagues, bring them on a study trip to Penang, and let them learn from the experience,” he said.Drop out, earn praiseMeanwhile, Hong Kong artiste Gigi Leung and Taiwanese band Mayday earned praises from netizens when they cancelled their appearance at the charity dinner.

Leung’s Facebook posting saying that she had to cancel the performance due to ‘personal reasons’ had over 20,000 ‘Likes’ and almost 6,000 comments, while Mayday fans on Facebook invited the group to perform in Malaysia after a regime change.

As election campaigning heats up, artistes often come under fire for appearing at political functions, especially that of the ruling party.

In turn, the Malaysian Association of Chinese Artistes had clarified that their work is only meant to entertain, and should not be misconstrued as canvassing for votes for any party.

Nevertheless, a group of 438 artistes have launched a campaign on April 19 to urge Malaysians abroad to return to vote and help maintain a two-party system.*Article first appeared on http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/227586