Celebrities must uphold image when portraying uniformed roles
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Celebrities portraying uniformed roles must maintain good moral conduct as their image extends beyond filming.
- Actor Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof stressed that artists are social responsibilities and icons who must uphold the reputation of the organizations they represent.
- Yusof expressed sadness over celebrities involved in drug abuse, calling it a serious issue in Malaysia that negatively impacts the arts industry.
Actors portraying members of uniformed bodies have a prolonged responsibility to uphold a positive image, extending far beyond the duration of filming, according to Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof. The 52-year-old actor emphasized that the image associated with uniformed roles becomes ingrained in public perception, making it crucial for celebrities to act as role models.
When we portray members of a uniform, we are tied to that image for a very long time. So, our responsibility doesn't just end during filming. Actually, that responsibility continues for a very long time. That is the job of a celebrity. It doesn't end on the last day of shooting.
"When we portray members of a uniform, we are tied to that image for a very long time," Yusof told Utusan Malaysia. "So, our responsibility doesn't just end during filming. Actually, that responsibility continues for a very long time. That is the job of a celebrity. It doesn't end on the last day of shooting. As celebrities, we are also obliged to protect the good name of the agency or uniformed organization we represent through our work."
As celebrities, we are also obliged to protect the good name of the agency or uniformed organization we represent through our work.
Yusof expressed regret that individuals who should be societal icons are involved in drug abuse, which has a negative ripple effect on the Malaysian arts industry. He highlighted that drug abuse is a serious issue in Malaysia, with severe penalties, including the death penalty for trafficking. "As an actor or celebrity, we have a social responsibility to the community. We not only have to protect our own name but are also obliged to protect our reputation because celebrities are often used as icons or examples for the public."
Drug abuse is a very serious issue in our country. In fact, if it involves drug trafficking, the punishment can go up to the gallows.
The actor believes such incidents create negative perceptions of the local arts scene. "When something like this happens, I feel sad. Even if we want to entertain, there are still boundaries. We cannot cross the established limits," he explained. Yusof hopes that social issues involving celebrities can be eradicated and that past incidents of actors involved in drug abuse serve as a lesson for others in the industry.
As an actor or celebrity, we have a social responsibility to the community. We not only have to protect our own name but are also obliged to protect our reputation because celebrities are often used as icons or examples for the public.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.