Actor and filmmaker Afdlin Shauki's boycott of the Festival Filem Malaysia 2016 over an alleged racism row has received the thumbs up from CIMB chairperson Nazir Abdul Razak and AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes.
Both took to their Instagram accounts to weigh in behind the actor's decision to shun this year's installment of the annual local film award ceremony over the move by national film corporation Finas to segregate major awards like best film by language.
The banker expressed his disappointment that 'Ola-Bola' which he said is one of his favourite films will not be able to compete in the best Malaysian film category, asking why the segregation was implemented.
He also praised Afdlin for his principled stand.
"Respect. I was aghast to hear that my favorite, Ola Bola, and others can't compete for best Malaysian movie. Why the segregation? Change will only happen because individuals like Afdlin make a principled stand, well done!" wrote Nazir on Instagram.
His comment accompanied a screenshot of the Malaysiakini article detailing Afdlin drawing his moral line in the sand, which he posted on Instagram.
Similarly Fernandes posted a collage containing photos of himself and Afdlin with other artiste with his own personal message of support.
Fernandes commented that as someone who rose from the entertainment industry himself, he believed that movies should not be segregated just because of it being multilingual.
"Kudos to @afdlinshauki for standing up for what he believed. Having come form the entertainment industry music media is an art, freedom of expression. Movies should not be excluded because it is multilingual...
"I met Din my brother through music, Malaysia greatest producer who made great Malaysian music that we all listened to. Zainal Abidin, Sheila Majib and Afdlin himself. We didn't look at our race...
"I say again. Enough segregation more inclusiveness. Celebrate our diversity."
Fernandes also mentioned that it was diversity that contributed to the success of AirAsia, not the other way around.
Yesterday Afdlin announced he is boycotting the Festival Filem Malaysia 2016 (FFM) following the outcry over segregation in the film awards.
"Sorry, this year I am boycotting FFM," posted the multi-talented artiste.
"When Malaysians regardless of race can truly be recognised for their creative works as Malaysian works.
"All the best to those who have been nominated. FFM committee good luck to you all too," wrote Afdlin on his Facebook page.
The disqualification of major Malaysian films of the year 'Ola Bola' and 'Jagat' from winning the best film category in the festival has riled and befuddled many.
They were not nominated for best film because the dialogue was not fully in Bahasa Malaysia, and were thus nominated for 'Best Non-Bahasa Melayu Film' instead.
'Jagat' director Shanjey Kumal Perumal was baffled that his movie is classified as a Malaysian movie abroad but not here in his own homeland.
Another filmmaker Md Nor Kassim, who was nominated for best cinematography at the awards, has announced he is pulling out of the contest for the same reason.
Finas however defended the decision to segregate the movies based on language in order to uphold the national language.
