Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen has declined to bring a well-known film director from China, Zhang Yimou, to Penang for cultural performance after what happened during South Korean superstar Psy's visit last month.

ng yen yen 270213 07 "We thought Penangites would be happy by bringing Psy to Penang, but it turned out to be like that (negative feedback)," Ng is quoted as saying in Chinese daily Kwong Wah Yit Poh .

Despite repeated explanations that Psy's performance in Penang was sponsored by someone, she said, the people still refused to accept it.

Therefore, she would not arrange Zhang to perform in Penang.

The performance by Psy at the Penang BN Chinese New Year open house at the Han Chiang College on Feb 11 had caused embarrassment to BN leaders as the crowd repeatedly shouted "no" to a question from prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The global sensation also did not show up when invited to join BN leaders and other dignitaries for a yee sang tossing session on stage.

Zhang has picked Malacca as his first city, outside of China, to present his grand outdoor gala performance titled 'Impression Series'.

A winner of multiple international awards and recognition, the film director is renowned for his Chinese movies, including 'Raise the Red Lantern' and 'House of Flying Daggers'.

Zhang also directed the sumptuous opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.