The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) said in a recent press statement that it is deeply saddened by the sudden demise of acclaimed Director, Yasmin Ahmad, at Damansara Specialist Hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 11.25pm on Saturday 25 July 2009.

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The award-winning film director Yasmin Ahmad died from massive bleeding in the brain after undergoing surgery following her collapse at the Indonesian broadcasting TV3 headquarters, Seri Pentas, on Thursday.

The late Yasmin Ahmad was best known for the movies she directed between 2003 and 2008, which delved into issues such as religion, parental abandonment and inter-racial relationships.

Ms Yasmin's fearless, slice-of-life portrayals are also strikes a chord among Singaporeans. She was invited by MCYS in 2007 to help raise public awareness of important issues of concern to families in Singapore.

Among her most recent productions, are 'Funeral' in April 2009 and 'Red Shoes' in June 2008, which are today still inspiring Singaporeans and people beyond Singapore via the Internet.

Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan extends his deepest sympathies to her family for their sudden loss.

Dr Balakrishnan said: "I will always remember Yasmin's smile, her sincerity, her creativity and the way her messages resonated so powerfully in our hearts because of her extraordinary sense of humour and honesty."

Mr Lim Soon Hock, Chairman of the National Family Council, commented that "Yasmin is a rare and extraordinary talent blessed with the ability to communicate compelling and engaging messages that resonate through the cross-section of society.

"Her honest and heartfelt projection of family issues in her TV commercials and in her movies have certainly added a new dimension to our public outreach efforts."

The ministry's press release also stated that her pro-family works for MCYS stand out as heartfelt statements highlighting the importance of the family as a keystone of society.