KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian actor Chew Kin Wah has become a household name in Indonesia through his performances in several big roles.
The Ipoh-born actor, who has been active in the local film industry, acted as Ahok’s father in the movie A Man Called Ahok. He also starred in the TV sitcom and movies My Stupid Boss and My Stupid Boss 2.
Chew became more famous after acting as the head of a Chinese family who runs a sundry shop in Cek Toko Sebelah.
“I am very honoured to be given such big roles in Indonesia,” he said, in an online interview with journalist Wong Chun Wai. Both spoke in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia in the talk, which aired on social media.
Chew said a lot of changes were taking place in Indonesia, saying in Malaysia, there were limited roles for Chinese in the Malay movie industry. He joked that he was used to playing the roles of “gangsters, Ah Long and communists in Malaysia.”
Meanwhile in Indonesia, he was given a language coach to speak Bahasa Indonesia.
Ep 109| Panas Banget Di IndonesiaApa bezanya berlakun di Indonesia? Kenapa Pak Chew mendapat watak-watak hebat di sana dan kenapa seorang aktor berbangsa Cina mendapat peluang begini. Jawapannya dalam episod ini. Tetamu: Chew Kin Wah (Aktor) Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are purely personal and do not reflect the views of any organisation. In partnership with ANN.
Posted by Wong Chun Wai on Monday, December 6, 2021
Playing the role of Ahok’s father, he said location shooting was in Pulau Belitung in Sumatra, where Ahok grew up.
“Hakka was used in the show as Ahok is a Hakka,” he said.
Chew said issues relating to the Chinese including their sentiments were openly discussed now in the movies, without any sensitivity.
“People must have open minds. In Indonesia, no one can tell what is their religion,” he said.
Chew also said a movie was even made on the life of Chinese ethnic badminton player Susy Susanti.
Chew said he was thankful for the roles, adding that felt good when he was recognised by the Indonesians while overseas, including in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
“They call me Ah Koh (brother) and asked for selfies. Ah Koh is widely used and I am also called that name in Indonesian movies.”
Wong joked that this was his first social media interview in Malay, as he hoped to reach a wider audience in Indonesia. His show garnered 20,000 views including many from Indonesia in less than three hours after it was broadcast.
Chew said he had travelled to many parts of Indonesia because of his work, and he could see the numerous positive changes. The show can be watched at @realchunwai on Facebook and YouTube. – The Vibes, December 9, 2021
