Actress Wan Maimunah is speaking up about the ongoing discrimination faced by veteran artistes in Malaysia. For those who don’t know, the 65-year-old has been in the industry since 1972. She is well-known for her appearances in a slew of tear-jerking TV dramas.
Citing her own experience, she revealed that she was offered a mere RM200 by a local production company for her appearance in a made-for-TV film in the past. Speaking in an interview with the press, Wan Maimunah explained that the issue has been ongoing for a long time.
“This issue has been happening for a long time, the same problem has been recurring for decades. Often, it is not the production company’s fault, but the company’s manager regarding the payment that we received. The telefilm (premiered) last year. It not only made me disappointed, but my heart was shattered,” the “Ampunkan Dosaku” actress told Utusan.
Because of that, Wan Maimunah said that she’s more willing to accept offers from newer production houses. According to the actress, “That’s why I’m more willing to act in short films with fresh faces in the industry. They are more honest and straightforward about the budget that they have.”
She went on and said, “Sometimes, these old production houses came up with excuses like, ‘This particular TV station is being choosy,’ and also, ‘The audience no longer wants to see seasoned artistes on the screen.’ That’s enough, I’ve grown tired of this issue.”
“Nevertheless, I’m glad that I still have great friends amongst producers and directors who appreciate my talent and always open their doors for me to star in their productions,” she revealed, adding that one such director was Rashid Sibir. “My most recent drama was directed by Rashid Sibir, because I’ve always put my trust in his works,” Wan Maimunah said.
Source: Utusan.
