CNN
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Michelle Yeoh’s historic Oscar win sparked jubilation in her native Malaysia this week, but it also sparked false rumors that a national holiday had been declared – a move the country’s government quickly quashed.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Monday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office denied the image that had been circulating on chat apps.
In a photo seen by CNN on March 13, Malaysian newspaper The Star said: “Prime Minister Anwar declared Wednesday a public holiday: ‘This is the people’s pride!’ shows an article with the title
This appears to be a reference to Anwar’s earlier statement congratulating Yoh on his victory.
A statement from Anwar’s office said there was “no truth” in the claims about the Oscars. “The news is fake,” he said. “The public is urged not to spread or share unknown or false information.”
Star Media Group, which runs an English-language online news portal and publishes a daily newspaper, also said the image was a “misrepresentation of the media’s actual presentation”.
“The company has come to the attention of a photo circulating on social media depicting a manipulated image that abuses the identity of the star,” the group said in a statement.
“We would like to remind you that Star Media Group has not announced any news regarding the declaration of holiday on March 15, 2023.
“The public is encouraged to verify the authenticity of these published images by visiting (our website) and reading our verified information directly from the source.”
Eh, 60, this week became the first Asian woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in All At Once.
Born in Ipoh, Peninsular Malaysia, Yeoh made his debut in a series of action films in Hong Kong.
He rose to international fame after starring in the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and in 2000 in Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
His victory speech was broadcast live at an event attended by his 84-year-old mother Janet in the capital Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
Footage of the joyful room went viral, and Yeoh dedicated his Oscar moment to his mom.
“I’m bringing this to his house,” Yu said at his reception. “He is currently watching with my family and friends in KL, Malaysia. I love you. I am bringing this home,” he said.
His mother said, “Malaysia boleh! (Malaysia can do it)” in a subsequent video interview with her winning daughter.
“I am very happy… I am proud of my daughter. He is very hardworking,” his mother told local journalists. “I will come home (to Malaysia) soon and invite him to the party. Next month is my birthday.
Yeh’s niece, Vicki, was also there, and she called it a “breathtaking moment.”
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