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Tributes for Yasmin Ahmad
Sun, Jul 26, 2009
The Star/Asia News Network

Before Sepet came along, I always have this negative feeling about Malaysian made movies. That all change because of Sepet. It made me laugh and cry at the same time, a quality that has been missing from Malaysian movies. Yasmin's theme of 1Malaysia which is only advocated by our prime minister recently has been in her movies and commercials for a long time. Though I may not have known Yasmin Ahmad personally but her personal work (commercials and movies) touched my heart personally, for that I feel like I have lost a friend. If Michael Jackson's passing is wept by the world, I think Yasmin's passing should be wept by all Malaysian regardless of race, religion or ethnic, a true hero of 1Malaysia. A great talent she definitely is. She shall be missed. - CHU SP

Being in Melbourne, I felt a kind of sadness at 3am in the morning when I read about Yasmin Ahmad's passing. Her movies have touched me in a way unimaginable, how her movies have been criticised by certain quarters due to their own misguided prejudice, how we'll never see her telling her remarkable stories again. She was the one who showed us that the local film scene isn't entirely bad - and possibly the only local film director whom I respected very much. I can't help but feel that her passing is too premature. The world is unfair when all the good people in the universe seem to pass on way before their time. - Clem

I was deeply disturbed when I received the news on the passing of Yasmin Ahmad. I even burst into tears. Was praying hard that she would recover from her sudden stroke attack but God loves her more. I never failed to watch her creative works be it films or commercial ads that are true manifestation of 1Malaysia concept. Her views on certain issues may be radical to some, but she was very sincere in conveying them to the people of Malaysia. Rest in peace Kak Yasmin, may God bless your soul. - Chuah Kee Man, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Yasmin Ahmad was a true example of the 1Malaysia concept. It is really unfortunate that she has left us at such a young age and at the peak of her career. The gift of her compassion and talent will be long remembered. May God bless her soul and may her soul rest in peace. We will miss you Yasmin. - Bong Soon Heng

Yasmin Ahmad, an outstanding writer and director she has been. You are known for your thought-provoking films that convey messages of love, harmony and true nationalism for the country. You will be deeply missed. May your good Soul Rest in Peace. - Dayani Murali, Johor

We have lost a voice of love, forgiveness, compassion; a bridge sorely needed across waters of divide; a talent that crossed national, geographical, cultural spheres; a symbol of integrity, courage. I found myself crying. From her work, I know enough to say, it is the will of God. Rest in Peace. I give thanks to have had the opportunity to be touched by her work, including an opportunity earlier this year to attend a post-screening discussion which she hosted. Thank you, Kak Yasmin. Your works will live on. - Myeegee

I was fortunate enough to have met Yasmin Ahmad once. It was a very special moment because I had just finished watching "Gubra" in the cinemas. Despite my attempts at getting an autograph, Yasmin humbly turned me down and being the wonderful professional that she is, offered me her card instead. We exchanged opinions about the subtle messages behind "Gubra" and the state of Malaysian Culture. I mentioned I have yet to watch "Sepet" and she offered me to drop by her office and get a director's copy from her personally. Humbled and inspired, I left that day thinking I have met an amazing individual. Her passing today has left a deep void in me. Knowing I will never enjoy anymore great movies and ads she has in store for all of us. However, Yasmin has left behind a great legacy that will truly stay in our hearts for all of time. Thank you, Yasmin. We miss you already. May you rest in peace. - Jeff Mahadi, Tropicana Indah

Yasmin Ahmad has been a household name for many years in my life. Her beautifully choreographed ads were always heart-warming, and some left tears in my eyes. Who will ever forget those touching and thought-provoking commercials for Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali festivals ? some can make you laugh and cry at the same time? For those who were silent, she was their voice. For those who were predictable, she challenged the stereotypes. You know you?ve made an impact when your work is the subject of debate and criticism but yet, still greatly acknowledged by people who appreciate. After all, Yasmin?s works have the power to make you sit up and start thinking. And while the rest of the world still go on, may your torch still be carried on into the future by those who want to spread the message of family values, friendship, love, openness and racial-blindness. Yasmin Ahmad, you?ll will always be a hero in many people's hearts. I will greatly miss you blog entries as well. - Ang Lai Imm

You showed us what it means to look beyond labels. Even to someone who's so unsentimental like me. I have a small goofy smile on my face after watching your advertisements, and sometimes brush little teardrops off my face. I'm wiping tears off my face now, even as another goofy smile stretches my mouth, in the memory of the work of someone who have touched my heart. Thank you and rest in peace. - Faz K

Thank you for your great advertisements and movies.
Thank you for being such a great storyteller and film maker.
Thank you for everything that you have done.
We will miss you. May you rest in peace. - ahwei

We cant get another Yasmin Ahmad. She is a legacy in the Malaysian film industry. My heartfelt condolence to her family members. - shathish, Damansara.

As far as I know, Malaysia has never had such a great storyteller. She loves Malaysia so dearly that she always incorporate Malaysia's identity in all her works. I'll miss her (and her work) dearly and I'm sure every single Malaysians who knows who she is would miss her too!! May you find peace with God, wherever you are. - SY Lau, Subang Jaya

She was the Malaysian masterpiece in Film making. She never fails to produce such divine and meaningful ads for her fellow Malaysians. We have surely become much better souls through her work. She was such an inspiring soul and I wish I had been given the chance to have met her in person. Rest in Peace, Yasmin Ahmad, You're in a better world and I'm sure you will flourish that place with more inspiring stories that you brilliantly write everyday. God Bless. - Jillian Kaur, Subang Jaya, Selangor

Yasmin Ahmad personifies greatness. Her films and commercials are so so real and genuine that they propel the masses to reconsider the possibility of actually maintaining a harmonious community made up of individuals from different racial and religious backgrounds. Her demise is a great loss to the human race. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and not forgetting her legion of fans. Al-Fatihah... - Lynn Nusa, Bintulu

Never will I forget such a great figure in the Malaysian film industry. Frankly speaking I don't see many Malay films. But I catched all your masterpieces, films and Petronas advertisement. I really hope Petronas would make a DVD compilation of all your works with all proceeds going to charity. This would be the best way to honour "The Great Yasmin Ahmad"...RIP - CK Cheah

It was unfortunate to hear of the demise of the greatest movie director from Malaysia. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett left us not too long ago. Today, we mourn the loss of Yasmin Ahmad. Yasmin Ahmad has always been a director with a heart at mind. She opted not to go with the mainstream flow, but go with the flow of her heart. Sepet, Gubra and Muallaf are the most fantastic movies made by her. Her works teach us the message of love and forgiveness, where race and religion will never be a obstacle to knowing each other much better. Today, she is gone. But the message of love and forgiveness will stay with us forever. We will greatly miss you and remember the message you are sending to us, Yasmin. - Dave Ding, Singapore

We've understood love better by knowing you as you have shown us so much from your experiences and your films. We have lost someone great who has given us love in such a unique way not only through her commercials during festive seasons but also through our daily conversation/contact with her. We live and love better because of her. It saddens me as I did not manage to buy you your favorite Hor Fun that you asked for as both of us were too busy. It's something I will regret for the rest of my life. Rest In Peace Yasmin. May Allah Bless Your Soul. Al-Fatihah... - Shahrin Ong Abdullah, Bukit Antarabangsa

Salam. Kiriman takziah buat keluarga Allahyarhamah Yasmin Ahmad. Saya adalah peminat Yasmin Ahmad No 1 di Malaysia. Saya amat merasai kehilangan beliau terutama hasil-hasil karya beliau semasa beliau masih hidup. Moga Allah mencucuri rahmat ke atas rohnya. Amin. - Azlina, Kedah

I never knew or met Yassin Ahmad personally, however her commercial for the 50th merdeka got into my heart (PS: im not malaysian). I liked the way she did her commercials about love, honesty, family and respect to one another. I am saddened but as a Muslim, what can I do; it's faith. They say good people leave us quick, in this case it's true, malaysia lost a great director. May Allah allows her his mercy, amin. - Al-Nasser Salahaddin

Kak Yasmin, I believe most Malaysians will miss your ads in TV, your movies in cinema. There'll be no second Yasmin Ahmad, NEVER! And, Kak Yasmin, although we only met once a long time ago, I forgot to tell you that the nasi lemak kukus you made during the screening of the director's cut of Gubra at me and my brother's place back in 2005 was yummy! You'll certainly be missed. Al-Fatihah. - Noor Anita Binti Mohd Tahir

Thank you for showing us that we have always been Malaysians... We need to have more people like you - brave, creative, courageous, witty, beautiful - who have the common sense to do right and not wrong... We do not require tolerance to have friends from other races or religions, any more than the tolerance we need to live with our own siblings... I thought you'd be around forever but life is always too short for those who do good. You will be dearly missed, Yasmin. - Siew Kim, PJ

RIP, yasmin ahmad. No more u, no more meaningful petronas ads, no more quality local movie. we will miss u!! - Danesh Letchumanan

In the swirling, heaving, turbulence of racial dogma and bigotry, you rose to speak for the majority of Malaysians about love, harmony and forgiveness. You shone like a beacon, Yasmin. You made us see the strength and power of oneness, the exquisite delicacy and beauty of racial harmony. I will miss you. Malaysia will miss you. May Allah bless you. - Gulnaz Shaik

I would like to thank her for her great accomplishment especially from all her projects. She will truly be missed and we will never forget her stamina, courage and sacrifices in making stories accepted by all walks of life. May her soul rest in peace. - RCKW & FLY

Very sad day for Malaysia. We have lost one of the most talented and endearing citizens. Too young and too soon. May God bless her soul. - N Hapizah

Never have I loved any local director before Yasmin Ahmad came out with her really cool and often touching commercials and films. I remember how excited I would be everytime her new movies came out! I love Yasmin Ahmad a lot and I'm extremely sad that she's gone and I cannot watch her works anymore. Rest in Peace Yasmin Ahmad, you know we all love you! - Tan Shirlexia

Rest in peace Storyteller
When you made the movie "Sepet"
It is like making a story of my life
You woke every Malaysian up
You're the Shakespeare of Asian
Putting "Romeo & Juliet" in "Sepet"
You made every Malaysian
Want to be a Malaysian
You made every Malaysian
Want to watch Malaysian made movie
Thank you. - Johnny Tan

I became a fan of Yasmin through all the numerous Petronas commercials. I was enchanted and at the same time touched by the simple yet effective message that she was trying to send. Then came all the award winning movies which I truly enjoyed. I met some of her notable Sepet and Gubra casts and they are truly gifted. Yasmin has a very talented eye to spot talent and nurture them. Certain quarters create controversy because a lot of people are still in denial over some important social issues. The industry will NEVER be the same without Yasmin Ahmad. May your soul rest in peace. You will be truly missed. I will. Condolences to your family. - Kevin Chow

It is a heartbreaking news knowing the passing of such a wonderful lady like Yasmin Ahmad. Though I do not know her personally, but I always follow her development in the printed and electronic media and Yasmin has got this 'gift' from God that very few of us have, especially in this sophiscated and modern world, that is her words 'touch' deeply into our hearts and these have been translated into her films and advertisements. I still can't forget about her PETRONAS advertisements for Hari Raya, which make my eyes tearful. That's the kind of message she conveyed through her works. Rest in Peace Yasmin. You will always be loved and remembered by us. - Burn, Sri Hartamas.

Yasmin ahmad, you changed people through your subtle touches on celluloid. You made people dance to the tune of keroncong when it's raining outside. You made people look through colours of the skin. You made Malaysians proud. You will truly be missed. al-fatihah. - Awangku Hisyamuddin bin Pengiran Saifuddin

Yasmin Ahmad can be hailed as the epitome of Bangsa Malaysia. Her films which we believe reflects her idea of Bangsa Malaysia always show that love and relationship transcend all races. This is THE spirit of Bangsa Malaysia. Her demise is not only a loss to the entertainment industry but a bigger loss to Bangsa Malaysia. My condolence to her families and to all who believe in Bangsa Malaysia. Al-Fatihah. - Alice

Really sad to hear about this. Wish you happy in your after life. Your movies are the best from Malaysia. Malaysia Boleh. - Wong Sing Haow

Someone who captured the essence of One Malaysia and wasn?t afraid to promote it in her work. Hope the TV stations will pay the late Yasmin tribute by screening her movies for all Malaysians to view and enjoy again. As we remember Yasmin, let?s also be reminded of her belief in a truly One Malaysia where we all live as loving brothers and sisters. - Ron Pickering

I am still in shock about her untimely death. I always wanted to meet her in person to say thank you for her work and vision. I admire and adore her so much. Condolence to her family and friends. She was so talented and truly Malaysian, one of a kind! May she rest in peace. - Dr. Hairi Lasim

Rest in Peace, Yasmin. You have single-handedly done more to foster racial harmony in Malaysia than anyone else. The world would be a better place if there were more like you. We cherish you, Yasmin. - Ewen Yeoh Ewe Aun

Kak Yasmin, I will always remember you as the person who constantly reminds us to have faith in love, not only through your movies and commercials, but also through your own warm personality. My deepest condolences to your family. - Yee Mey

I only met her once in person, and I must seriously thank god for that. How often do you get to meet someone who is not only a famous celebrity, but more importantly someone you respect and look up to from time to time. In fact her movie SEPET was the first local film I ever watched in a Cinema, and ironically Talentime was the last local movie I also saw in the Cinema. - Han

I never knew yasmin until i saw SEPET a few years back... It was honest & a sincere movie. She is best at what she does. I'll mourn her by watching SEPET on DVD. RIP yasmin. - azizi othman

My deepest condolences to yasmin's family. Sad to know we've lost a wonderful and talented person. - KLKHOO

Though I do not know you personally, my deepest condolences to your family. Malaysia has really lost someone so talented who has done so much to bring the younger generation from the different races together through your films. You took a chance and dared to do what others don?t. Salute and profound respect for you. May you rest in peace. - Siu Gek, Wern, Ting and Jie

Yasmin Ahmad, the Malaysian Steven Spielberg... now lies in our memory. The 1Malaysia director embraces the word ?1Malaysia? through movies and ads. We shall miss you. May you be good hands. Al-fatihah. - Rahim, Labuan

I never knew her personally, but watching her ads, her movies I totally get her. I respect her boldness and enthusiams, she stood up for the truth and her rights. I am a stronger person because of her. I don't let others pull me down anymore. Thank You Yasmin, You're an inspiration. - Suraya Ali, KL

'ALFATIHAH to YASMIN AHMAD, One pretty soul I've ever met on earth. Thanks for sharing your visual journey Kak Min, I will always remember you and your filmwork in my little humble heart.' - bennylita ramlee, selangor

Goodbye Yasmin, another great candle that enlightened Malaysian hearts through her talents in film directing. Though Malaysia has lost another icon but Yasmin's work, vision and persistency in proving her ideology will be remembered by people who value her contribution to the country. Nothing except death is certain in life. "Mati harimau meninggalkan belang, Mati manusia meninggalkan nama". Yasmin, you have done it and you have got it. You will be cherished and remembered always. - Eugene Pek

We have lost one of the most cherished daughters of Malaysia who will always be remembered for helping us see and understand Malaysians as we are. - Michael Choong

She conjured her vision of a united Malaysia in her work... her ads and films never fail to inspire and touch hearts. The brilliance of this true Malaysian will be sorely missed. RIP Yasmin. - Johnathan Tan

We just celebrated the 1st anniversary of UNESCO heritage site last nite and the news of Yasmin's death is a blow to all of us. Her death should be celebrated as she has given us a picture of racial harmony in all her works. The impact she has make in our lives runs deep in our blood. May Yasmin be in good hands now. My condolences to her family and friends. We have lost a Malaysian icon. - chunwoei lim, Penang

Getting a twitter update in the wee hours of the morning today was definitely heart breaking and devastating. Yasmin Ahmad was more than just an incredible filmaker, she was an inspiring individual not just to me but to everyone out there. This noble lady should be commended on her tremendous effort of producing heart -touching ads which portrays the true Malaysia. She has given us the gift that we will definitely treasure. Rest in peace Yasmin Ahmad, as you never fail to inspire me everyday although being thousands of miles away. - Yuvha Dharshini, Auckland, New Zealand.

Hembusan naluri, semburan akal;
Menusuk jiwa peminat yang tinggal;
Memujuk semangat watan yang kental; Buat negara - impian tiada kesal...

Sepet, Gubra merintih meminta;
Merintis budaya bersandarkan cinta;
Agarkan kita melanyak sengketa;
Walau bahasa dan kaum berbeda. - Loh Dennis Kok Kin

Before Sepet came along, I always have this negative feeling about Malaysian made movies. That all change because of Sepet. It made me laugh and cry at the same time, a quality that has been missing from Malaysian movies. Yasmin's theme of 1Malaysia which is only advocated by our prime minister recently has been in her movies and commercials for a long time. Though I may not have known Yasmin Ahmad personally but her personal work (commercials and movies) touched my heart personally, for that I feel like I have lost a friend. If Michael Jackson's passing is wept by the world, I think Yasmin's passing should be wept by all Malaysian regardless of race, religion or ethnic, a true hero of 1Malaysia. A great talent she definitely is. She shall be missed. - CHU SP


 
 
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