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THE British Broadcasting Ccorporation (BBC)’s recently released its 100 'most inspiring and influential women' list for 2020. It included Ipoh-born Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
The list not only highlights women who are paving the way for change and making a difference during this pandemic, but also women who stand for racial justice.
It is undeniable that Michelle Yeoh is one of the OGs of Asian representation in Hollywood when she first broke into the male-dominated industry of Hong Kong martial arts films before moving to Hollywood as a ‘Bond girl’ in 1997.
Yeoh’s admirable achievements did not stop there as she went on to become a United Nations goodwill ambassador in 2016.
Yeoh recently told BBC that “Covid-19 affects us all, but women are bearing the brunt,” on the rise in violence against women.
Michelle Yeoh has put Malaysia on the map with her various achievements, especially by breaking through a male-dominated industry as an Asian woman.
She had featured in the critically acclaimed blockbusters Crazy Rich Asians, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Memories of a Geisha and is set to grace the screen in the upcoming Season 3 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Malaysian ‘trekkies’ were excited when it was announced that Yeoh would be starring as a lead in the sci-fi show.
However, netizens on the Malay Mail Facebook page were less than enthusiastic about her nomination in the 100 ‘most inspiring and influential women’ list.
A few, nevertheless, congratulated Yeoh on her achievements:
“She made Malaysia proud. Before one gives a negative comment on her achievement, be as successful as her first. Otherwise, it is just mere jealousy,” said Kahieng Ong.
Most netizens slammed her for betraying the people with her political stance.
The strongly worded comments are in the vein of Ng Hsien Kwang's:
“Every Malaysian knows she is a sellout! We will never forget!”
Another commenter, Wh Ooi, said: “Since the day she indulged in her country politics (sic) scene, many fans of her lost interest in whatever she does or any movies she acted in... Not interested in her news.”
The Vibes wonders whether her political stance is enough to offset all her achievements for the country. – The Vibes, November 26, 2020
