KUALA LUMPUR: Young singer Haqiem Rusli who has been in the news lately after revealing that he has been suffering from bouts of depression, will be seeking psychiatric help today.
The 20-year-old fresh-faced artiste revealed that he would be going for a medical checkup during a Press conference held here yesterday.
The Selamat Tinggal Sayang singer also withdrew his initial intention to possibly quit his music career and apologised for his misconduct which had created a lot of misunderstanding and confusion among fans and fellow artistes.
“Honestly, I have been going through bouts of 'mild depression’, like insomnia, being overworked and experiencing weight fluctuations. Ever since (the popularity of the song) Tergantung Sepi, I have faced lots of brickbats.
“Every day, thousands have criticised and mocked me, saying things like I look ugly, have pimples and can’t even sing well. These instances had made me think of quitting altogether and just made me feel really down as well.
“People assumed that what I did recently was only a gimmick and nothing else. It’s not a gimmick. I really felt the pressure of it all. I have also talked to friends who had faced similar situations and they said that what I have been experiencing is a ‘mild depression’,” he said.
A teary-eyed Haqiem added that he hoped to be given a second chance to carry on with his music career and his work in the entertainment industry but would accept his fate if all does not work out.
He also explained that he would remind his fans not to put the blame on anyone else, including the media, since the whole issue that had blown up recently was of his own doing.
“I don’t blame anyone. I just hope that Malaysians will be able to forgive me and give me a second chance,” said the artiste.
He added: "When I announced my intention to quit the world of music recently, I had yet to see a doctor. I had only sought out the views of people around me. But I have made an appointment to see a doctor tomorrow for a checkup,” he said.
The young singer also apologised to singers Ernie Zakri and Wany Hasrita who were unwittingly drawn into the issue after being invited to appear as guests on a radio show recently.
Haqiem confessed that he did not blame them for voicing their displeasure and criticising him for his actions on the social media platform as a result of that fiasco.
Meanwhile, a representative from the record label that he is under, Sam Samin, said that FMC Music would focus more attention on the problems that its artistes might be experiencing.
He added that FMC Music had already advised Haqiem on his conduct and that his contract with the company could be terminated if anything unbecoming were to happen again.
Not discounting the fact that perhaps Haqiem was only facing intense pressure after gaining popularity at such a quick rate, Sam said: “Whatever the case, we are concerned for his mental wellbeing and will be taking him to see a psychiatric specialist tomorrow,” said Sam.