KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (Seniman) president Rozaidi Jamil or Zed Zaidi said that "problematic" artistes such as those caught for khalwat cannot be banned from films and dramas at will.
Zed said in a news report yesterday that Seniman and other non-governmental organisations involving the entertainment industry could not interfere in personal matters involving artistes, and should instead wait for the decision of the courts first.
"We should be professional and continue to work with such artistes especially when they have talent and good work ethics. But if the courts find them guilty of certain offences including khalwat, then only we say 'no' to them," said Zed.
Zed reminded all artistes to "take good care" of their personal images as fans looked up to them as role models.
"It takes lots of hard work to become a popular and respected actor or actress, but one mistake can ruin your career," he said, adding that scandalous behaviour by artistes tarnished the image of the industry.
Zed added that production companies were however free to reject artistes that they deemed problematic.
"If company A decides to boycott a certain artiste, it is that company's right. If company B decides to continue working with the same artiste, it is that company's right too."
Zed said that Seniman would not call for a "blanket ban" on problematic artistes from all television stations, unless such artistes were convicted of criminal acts by the courts.
Zed's statement comes shortly after a Singaporean woman Sarah Yasmine revealed that she was singer-actor Aliff Aziz's secret lover and that actress Ruhainies Zainul Ilyas, who was caught for khalwat with him last March 8, had "influenced" him to have an illicit affair with her.
Aliff's estranged singer-actress wife Bella Astillah has filed for divorce from him at the Federal Territories Syariah Lower Court, but he has refused to divorce her.
Aliff and Bella were married in 2016 and have two children.
Bella recently revealed that Aliff had had more than 11 extra-marital affairs since their marriage.
Zed Zaidi said that "problematic" artistes such as those caught for khalwat cannot be banned from films and dramas at will (NSTP File Pic)