Be happy for others' success, or stay silent - Haqiem Rusli

Singer Haqiem Rusli has voiced his frustration with the normalization of mutual criticism among some figures in Malaysia's music industry. He observed that the industry once thrived on harmony and mutual support, but has since deteriorated into a state of constant comparison and belittling of talent.

"We should be supporting each other in the same industry. But it's different now and getting worse, it's sad," Haqiem stated in a Threads post. He appealed to fellow artists to maintain professionalism and stop spreading hate, emphasizing the importance of preserving harmony within the entertainment world.

"Be happy for others' success. If you don't like it, it's better to stay silent and just continue with your life," he advised. His remarks resonated with many netizens who agreed with his sentiment. They expressed concern over the excessive criticism and insults faced by artists, particularly following prestigious events like the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) awards.

Comments on his post highlighted the harsh reality faced by artists, with one user noting, "The problem is they get criticized even when they don't win. If they win, they get even more insulted. It's sad to see. I wonder how the person concerned feels. They must be depressed." Another commenter added, "So true. Some comments go too far, even to the point of insulting. They don't think about the consequences of their writing. It's sad."

Many echoed Haqiem's call for silence when one cannot celebrate another's success. "I strongly agree. Uploading something that openly tears down other artists for netizens to dissect and create negative situations without self-reflection. If you don't like someone else's success, you don't have to celebrate it, but don't tear them down. Sometimes, silence is the most appropriate choice," a netizen commented.