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Yusof Haslam dismisses Zed Zaidi's notion about local dramas

6 May – Malaysian filmmaker Yusof Haslam has slammed the opinion of Zed Zaidi, who is the president of the Association of Malaysian Artistes (SENIMAN), that local productions are so "full of themselves" when it comes to making television shows.

The director, who is also the owner of Skop Productions, stated that studios would do their research on viewership before they even produce the project let alone broadcast it.

"We can't say that we are so full of ourselves. If so, dramas like "Nur" would not be highly praised and received positively by viewers. We make dramas for our own audience. You should never insult the work of our own local talents," he said.

The issue sparked after 'Nur' was pulled out in Indonesia due to supposed lack of viewership.
The issue sparked after 'Nur' was pulled out in Indonesia due to supposed lack of viewership.

Yusof also advised Zed to be more tactful when it comes to releasing such statements so not to cause any rifts.

"I respect him as SENIMAN's president, but he has to be more careful," he said. "When it comes to making dramas, it's easier said than done."

Zed previously made such statement following news that Shahrulezad Mohamedin's hit drama, "Nur" failed to win audiences in Indonesia, causing the drama to be pulled out after only several episodes.

Shahrulezad himself had commented on Zed's statement, saying that the actor had no knowledge about the whole issue and was only making it up as he went on.

"Whatever. I don't want to get involved in such polemic," he stated.

 Zed Zaidi previously commented on the issue surrounding 'Nur'
Zed Zaidi previously commented on the issue surrounding 'Nur'

(Photo Source: Cinema Online, Utusan TV, Utusan Malaysia)