Local actress Tiz Zaqyah has expressed her disappointment at the Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) in a lengthy post on her Instagram account. In a mix of English and Malay, she wrote: “I’m speaking on behalf of my fellow members in this industry. These are honest questions. Suggestions.”
The Nur Kasih actress claimed on her Instagram Stories that she had to face society’s negative perception that artistes were stupid.
As a registered member, she questioned Seniman’s role and the benefits of joining it since she was never informed about any of the association’s activities or recent developments.
The actress then compared local showbiz to that in other countries, based on her experience filming Oh My English in New York a few years ago. She said the interests of the extras there, such as minimum wage and working hours, were handled by their association.
Tiz Zaqyah added that Seniman should have a proper and organised system to serve as a platform to bring all of the members closer together.
“I’m a nobody. But I do have the right to ask, because I have been paying, I am a member. I am this tiny voice. Someone had to listen. But who?” she added, “I chose (to voice out on) social media. Transparency.”
Tiz also hoped that Seniman would look into the matters of work hours, health plans and certain issues like crew members who fall ill or pass away during set shoots.
“How many members have we lost because of overworking?” The actress wrote that she had lost a very good friend who chose to avoid going to the hospital due to extreme commitment to the job and as a result had died. “I’m sorry if I seem brash. I’m saying this because I care for others.”
Following the Instagram post, Tiz Zaqyah has been urged to attend the general meetings of Seniman to voice out her problems or share her suggestions. Seniman president Zed Zaidi, also an actor, said ranting on social media would not change the situation or help fellow artistes.
“It is easy to just talk, but when we call for all artistes to come to our meetings, we don’t see her. If she feels she is having problems, please speak up at the meeting. If she has many complaints, I will appoint her as a committee member next year.
“Don’t compare us with the entertainment industry overseas. While they have been around for a long time, our association is still learning. That’s why we need everyone to support us and give ideas,” he remarked.
Zed said Tiz should read what is printed on the membership card if she is a member of Seniman. “The membership card is important as it functions as a licence to protect the industry from being flooded with foreign actors.
In response, the actress added that she was disappointed with Zed’s reply, since he should be protecting and supporting her instead of labelling her as a blabber mouth. “As the president, he is supposed to be on my (our) side and support the facts given to help us progress.”
“We need you. We trust you. We believe in you. Make things happen. By this, we hope to see improvements in the industry. From the industry, for the industry,” she wrote.
Well well well.. we sure hope that everything is going to be fixed soon!
[Source]
