KUALA LUMPUR: Political differences should not stop artistes from working together, and they should refrain from boycotting peers deemed ‘politically incorrect’.
Actress Sharifah Amani said Malaysians had the freedom to be aligned with parties of their choice, and that included members of the entertainment industry.
"Political differences are normal in developed countries, I don't see why we shouldn't embrace such differences and still be friends," she said at a meet-and-greet session for Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Fahmi Fadzil at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station recently.
"If we want the entertainment industry to grow, we should accept diversity in thought and expression, so that all of us can learn from each other."
Amani cited her friendship with Puteri Umno activist and filmmaker Dira Abu Zahar as "living proof" that people with political differences could work together and "agree to disagree".
"I have the utmost respect for Dira, we've been friends for a long time. We may have different opinions on national issues, but we get along very well and look forward to working together."
Actor Iedil Putra Alaudin, who greeted his family friend Fahmi, agreed with Amani.
"Fahmi and I share a similar kind of friendship and I give him all my support, despite differences of opinion. In the industry, we must stop labelling other ‘politically incorrect’, since it does not augur well for the industry," he said.
Veteran actress Fauziah Nawi added that Malaysians were mature and could accept political differences, so nobody should "stay away" from those who still supported the former ruling party.
"We are one industry, and we should work together for its success, regardless of political affiliations, opinions or backgrounds," she said.
Meanwhile, actor Datuk Farid Kamil called on film companies that had not paid him in full for their projects, to do so now. He said some of these companies had "blacklisted" him because of his on-going trial, and for supporting Pakatan Harapan.
"They boycotted me, but I hope they will stop doing so with the change of government now," he said, adding that artistes should no longer be pressured to conform to the views of certain parties.
Farid agreed with Amani that artistes should be "colour-blind" since what mattered most for the industry was talent and passion.