Actress and television personality Jasmine Suraya has previously shared her plans to pursue an education at the famed acting school, the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles, California. However, getting there proved expensive for the star, who shared she had to sell her personal belongings, including her car, to support her dreams.
The public figure, whose full name is Jasmine Suraya Chin Xian Mei, also shared that she had sought funding from the state government and National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) but was unsuccessful. According to Jasmine, the total fee to attend the acting school in the United States is over RM400,000 per year.
Following her revelation, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government will look into providing the necessary funds to assist Jasmine in her studies. He added, “I’ll need to look into the matter and see what we (the ministry) can help with.” While nothing is confirmed, the financial aid would elevate a lot of burden on Jasmine, the first Malaysian accepted into the American acting school.
However, netizens couldn’t agree with Fahmi’s decision. Many believed government funds should be prioritised for other less-fortunate citizens, rather than an actress. Some even said the government and the communications ministry should instead look into supporting other local talents like VFX artist Sofian, known more familiarly as Sofyank.
The minister’s decision also has many calling him out for favouritism towards the rich and famous. Many netizens also pointed out several instances where they and other students have sought financial aid from the government to pursue their studies in notable institutions, only to be rejected. However, some understood Fahmi’s move to support Jasmine, given that she was the first Malaysian accepted into the acting school, which could bring more attention to local talents.
Do you agree with Fahmi’s decision to provide financial aid to Jasmine? Or do you agree with the netizens?
Sources: Berita Harian, Twitter
