KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Tiz Zaqyah expressed her disappointment at the Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) yesterday, after she was recently chided by its president, Zed Zaidi.
In a lengthy post on her Instagram account, Tiz wrote that, as a registered member, she was wondering what benefits she was receiving since she was never informed about any of the association’s activities or recent developments.
The actress added that Seniman should have a proper and organised system to serve as a platform to bring all of the members closer together.
In a mix of English and Malay, she wrote: “I’m speaking on behalf of my fellow members in this industry. These are honest questions. Suggestions.”
“I’m a nobody. But I do have the right to ask, because I have been paying, I am a member. I am this tiny voice. Someone had to listen. But who?”
"I chose (to voice out on) social media. Transparency.”
Tiz added that she hoped Seniman would look into the matters of work hours, health plans and certain issues like crew members who fall ill or pass on during on set shoots.
“How many members we’ve because of overworking?” The actress wrote that she had lost a very good friend who chose to avoid going to the hospital due to extreme commitment to the job and as a result had died.
“I’m sorry if I seem brash. I’m saying this because I care for others.”
The actress added that she was disappointed with the reply by Zed, since as the association’s head, he should be protecting and supporting her instead of labelling her as a “complaining loud mouth.”
"He is supposed to be on my (our) side and support the facts given to help us progress.”
“We need you. We trust you. We believe in you. Make things happen."
“By this, we hope to see improvements in the industry. From the industry, for the industry,” she wrote.