A fake story that said Malaysia declared a public holiday to celebrate Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win on Sunday night has forced the government to issue a statement urging people to go to work.
A picture allegedly taken from Malaysia’s popular English-language newspaper The Star showed the publication with the headline: “PM Anwar declares a Wednesday a public holiday: ‘This is a nation’s pride!'” on Monday.
But Star Media Group Bhd, which owns the outlet, was quick to debunk it by saying the image was a “misrepresentation of actual reporting by The Star” – daunting the hopes of the country’s workers.
This was soon followed by a release from the prime minister’s office declaring that “the news is FALSE” and putting all Malaysians’ dreams of an extra day off – courtesy of their native Hollywood star – to bed.
“People are asked not to spread or share unsafe or false information,” the prime minister’s office said on Facebook.
A picture allegedly taken from Malaysia’s popular English-language newspaper The Star showed the publication with the headline: “PM Anwar declares a Wednesday a public holiday: ‘This is a nation’s pride!'” on Monday. It was quickly exposed as “PALSU” (fake).
The quote used in the fake image appeared to refer to an earlier statement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulating Yeoh on her victory.
Star Media Group said: “The company has become aware that an image depicting a manipulated image that misrepresents The Star’s identity has been making the rounds on social media.”
“Star Media Group would like to reiterate that they have not released any news regarding the announcement of a public holiday on March 15, 2023.”
In its rebuttal, the publication shared the fake image, this time with a large red “PALSU” (fake) label stamped over the image.
The company urged readers to “visit the lifestyle section of The Star’s portal, which houses the entertainment category.” This, it said, “confirms that no such article has been published amidst the deluge of news surrounding Yeoh’s historic Best Actress win.”
“The public is urged to visit to verify the authenticity of such circulated images [the website] and read our verified news straight from the source.’
Born in the city of Ipoh on Peninsular Malaysia, Yeoh was celebrated at home for her victory.
Michelle Yeoh’s mother cried for joy for her ‘little princess’ as the Malaysian actress became the first Asian to win the Best Actress Oscar.
Yeoh’s family and two cabinet ministers were among the supporters who roared with joy at Yeoh’s win at a special Oscars party in Malaysia on Monday morning. Her trophy for her performance as a laundromat owner was one of seven Oscars for All at Once, including best picture.
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh accepts the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California March 12, 2023
Janet Yeoh, right, mother of Michelle Yeoh, celebrates after her daughter won the Best Actress category at the 95th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles as seen at a Live View event in on Monday, March 13 was shown at a cinema in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Janet Yeoh, 84, praised the actor for being intelligent and hardworking and a childlike daughter.
“I love my daughter so much and she has made Malaysia proud,” Yeoh said at a press conference after the screening at a Kuala Lumpur cinema.
‘Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can)!’
Janet Yeoh said she was very proud of “my little princess” who wanted to be a ballerina before she entered the movie world.
Yeoh said she pushed her daughter out of her cocoon despite protests from her late husband, a lawyer who she described as “old-fashioned.”
In her acceptance speech, Yeoh dedicated her award to her mother, saying “all the mothers in the world” are the real superheroes.
Shortly thereafter, Yeoh made a video call to her mother and triumphantly held up her trophy.
“It was such a breathtaking moment. I was speechless, I cried,” said Vicki Yeoh, Michelle Yeoh’s niece, who attended the special viewing.
“The nominees are really strong, but we had no doubts. We keep telling her you’re going to win – you’re going to be on stage with the golden man.’
In his statement, Prime Minister Anwar said the Malaysian government joined the nation in congratulating Yeoh on making history.
“Coupled with this achievement, Michelle’s illustrious and exemplary career in this field will surely continue to be a source of great inspiration and motivation for our local actors and actresses, and will provide even greater impetus to the growth of our local industry,” Anwar said in a statement. “Well done Michelle!”
Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who was also at the viewing, immediately posted on social media: “The most inspirational quote for all of us aunts – ‘Ladies, don’t let anyone tell you you’ve passed your prime’ – Michelle Yeoh. ‘
MPs Sim Tze Sin and Wee Ka Siong thanked Michelle Yeoh for breaking glass ceilings for Asian and Malaysian women.
They praised her as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
Yeoh’s trophy for her performance as a laundromat owner was one of seven Oscars for Everything Everywhere All at Once (pictured), including Best Picture
Michelle Yeoh, 60, studied ballet before turning to acting. Her first major Hollywood role came in 1997 alongside Pierce Brosnan as a Chinese spy in the Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.
She is best known for her role in the 2000 martial arts masterpiece Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a Best Picture nomination that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Yeoh has more recent credits in the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians and 2021 in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
“We are incredibly proud. We hope she continues to break records and win more awards,” said her nephew Kelvin Yeoh.