While it is the right of all to participate in politics it is not appropriate for artistes to actively do so while still in the entertainment industry, opined movie directors.

However they should keep abreast of political developments - as celebrities, it's part and parcel of their duty to the nation is to be aware of what's going on, opined actor and director Bront Palarae, 37.

"Politics is from the people, to the people, and for the people," the actor of Pakistani, Malay, and Siamese origin told Malaysiakini .

Met at the launch of the Astro Citra's Karya 12 programme on Friday which sees six film studies students collaborating with six film directors to produce quality films for television, the Ola Bola actor said that he himself did not want to be linked to any political party.

He held that political parties by definition were merely instruments benefiting those with vested interests.

"If I join a political party, I will have to bow to their policies. I do not believe in such things."

"I have more faith in playing my own part to contribute to the country. I really cannot wait to vote in the next elections," he said.

Proper way

Meanwhile Polis Evo director Ghaz Abu Bakar, 41, said that it was not necessarily wrong for an artist to follow political developments and express their views but it had to be done the proper way.

"It all comes back to our culture and the need to voice one's opinion with candour but not to hurt anyone's feelings. Artists are influential people and they must be very careful in expressing their thoughts," he reflected.

He added that if there were artists who wanted to get involved in politics, it was their right to do so. However he added it was better they made it their career, hinting that active artists should not become part-time politicians.

"I myself do not want to join any political parties because I don't want to mix that with my career,"

He also acknowledged that the current political scenario unfolding in the country has made him uneasy.

"I am saddened with developments in the country, that is all I can say about it. If we think about it, things that have happened will drag the rakyat down, and indirectly weaken their spirit.

"I hope that things will recover because we are all one people and live in one country," he said.