KUALA LUMPUR: Pop queen Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza has advised netizens to refrain from labelling artistes negatively on social media, for they too are human and everyone makes mistakes.
"We shouldn't be calling others 'arrogant' or 'rude' unless we truly know them. Artistes have their good and bad days, and it is unwise to pass judgement on them," said Siti at the launch of the Hitman David Foster & Friends 2023 concert at Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur Hotel in Jalan Conlay here today.
Siti also said it was "not the Malaysian way" to "name and shame" people on social media, and if netizens encountered a less-than-friendly artiste in town, it was best to leave him or her alone and pray for his or her improvement in interpersonal skills.
"I admit that some artistes need improving when it comes to communication with others. All of us have to do better as we grow in our careers, but the best policy is to always be courteous to others and not to speak ill of others," said Siti.
Siti also advised netizens not to create social media videos that label artistes as "friendly" or "unfriendly". She referred to a recent TikTok video in which an a netizen listed some "friendly" and "unfriendly" artistes.
In another social media video, a group of netizens called a young actor "rude" even though he politely declined to pose for photos with them.
Siti will be joining American composer and musician Foster in the concert held at Mega Star Arena in Jalan Bukit Bintang at 8pm on Aug 7.
She recorded a cover version of Foster's hit song The Colour Of My Love, originally sung by Celine Dion, in her second album.
The concert will also feature American singers Michael Bolton, Katharine McPhee, Loren Allred and Peabo Bryson.
Siti has also been invited by Foster to perform in Singapore the following day.
This marks Siti's second performance with Foster. They last shared the big stage in the Formula One Gala Concert 2014 held at the Sepang International Circuit in Salak Tinggi, Sepang, Selangor.
David Foster & Friends 2023 is organised by Yayasan Prihatin Nasional (Prihatin) which assists young Malaysians from low-income families via educational, entrepreneurial and leadership training initiatives.
Proceeds from ticket sales will assist Prihatin's on-going initiative Tabung Kasih which helps youths from low-income families pursue higher education in Malaysia.
Tickets for the concert are priced from RM288 to RM988 and are available at www.myticket.asia.