KUALA LUMPUR: "I love him. He is my son," says Datuk Yusof Haslam succintly when mentioning his estranged son, filmmaker Syamsul Yusof.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of Skop Productions' new TV series titled 'Polis Peronda' at Sri Pentas in Petaling Jaya, Selangor earlier today, the 70-year-old film producer said despite all that had happened in the past, Syamsul is still his own flesh and blood.
"My wife (Datin Patimah Ismail) always reminds me to stop commenting about him, as at the end of the day, both of us are still his parents.
"And both she and I never fail to pray for the best for him," he said when asked if he had invited Syamsul to also direct the new TV series.
As it is, the drama is co-directed by Yusof, his other son Syafiq Yusof, and C. Kumaresan (who was a cast member in the legendary Skop Productions' 'Gerak Khas' series).
"I've been blessed with two talented sons, whose works have been very successful, all thanks to the Almighty.
"While some had 'teasingly' said I no longer support Syamsul after what had happened, I tell them that that's not true.
"How could I not support him and his films? He's my son!" he protested.
The rift between Syamsul and his parents began after he took on a second wife, Ira Kazar, early last year, which led him to divorcing his first wife Puteri Sarah Liyana on June 14 in the same year.