JOHOR BARU – Malaysians have every right to be proud of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh winning an Oscar, said Ho Ching, wife of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Ho added that Malaysia has long since recognised Yeoh’s success, pointing to the Tan Sri title bestowed on her years before her Best Actress win.
The pride, she said, extends to women and Asians, who “all feel proud of her”.
She went on to say Yeoh is successful as a performing artist and has contributed to society in other ways.
“She is a UNDP goodwill ambassador working to raise awareness and mobilise support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“She has been generous in lending her presence and voice to other good causes as well.
“She has given hope and confidence to many through her own personal example of remaining grounded amid success,” Ho said on her Facebook page, in response to a tweet saying Malaysia should not “tumpang” (hitch a ride) and claim her achievement.
On Monday, Yeoh won an Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Yeoh beat four other actresses in the category – Lesley Manville for Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Margot Robbie for Babylon, Anya Taylor-Joy for The Menu, and Emma Thompson for Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.
Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the comedy-drama explores the relationship between Yeoh, who plays Evelyn Wang – a middle-aged Chinese American immigrant – and her daughter Joy, played by Stephanie Hsu.
Previously, actor Bront Palarae said while Malaysia can be proud of Yeoh’s successes, there is no reason for the country’s entertainment industry to ride on her name since she is not a product of the local entertainment industry.
Yeoh started her acting career in Hong Kong in the 1980s, which paved the way for her career in Hollywood. – The Vibes, March 13, 2023
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