Despite 67 years of independence and decades of living together as a multicultural nation, racism remains a lingering issue for many Malaysians.
This unfortunate reality doesn’t just affect everyday citizens—it also extends to celebrities. Whether they’ve gained international recognition and brought pride to Malaysia or dedicated their efforts to enriching the local scene, no one is immune to the sting of prejudiced remarks.
Jacklyn Victor Shares A Remark She Was Told After Winning Malaysian Idol
For those unfamiliar with Jaclyn Victor, she is a celebrated Malaysian singer, actress, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence as the winner of Malaysian Idol in 2004. Her victory earned her a contract with Sony BMG Music Entertainment, and she went on to achieve incredible milestones, releasing multiple albums and singles that cemented her legacy in the Malaysian music scene.
Recently, Victor opened up on the podcast ‘You Syu’d Know’, hosted by TV presenter and newsreader Syuhaida Ariffin. Sharing a deeply personal story, she reflected on her journey since her groundbreaking win and revealed a shocking comment she encountered after her victory—one that ultimately shaped her views on resilience and self-identity.
During the podcast, Victor recalled hearing from the grapevine that someone had said she shouldn’t have won Malaysian Idol simply because she wasn’t Malay. “Let me just say something: somebody said I shouldn’t have won because I’m not Malay,” she shared. The comment, while not directed at her, eventually made its way back to her.
The remark shocked her, especially considering the source. “This person is very cool, very hip and happening. Suddenly, from their mouth, something like that can come out. I’m thinking, ‘I’m Malaysian, I’m born here, I’m raised here, I speak Bahasa,’” she said. However, Victor didn’t let it hold her back. “It does not define who I am; it does not define what I do,” she added.
Victor even injected humour into the situation, jokingly asking, “Where else was I supposed to sing? Indian Idol?“ eliciting laughter from the podcast host. Reflecting on the years that have passed since, Victor said the remark no longer matters and emphasized the importance of focusing on one’s goals. “There’ll always be all kinds of things said about you. But at the end of the day, you really need to focus on what you want and keep working hard,” she said.
A Career of Perseverance and Success
Victor’s resilience and talent have shone brightly throughout her career, proving that she was more than deserving of her win. Her debut album, Gemilang, released under Sony BMG, set the stage for her success. The album won Best Pop Album and Album of the Year at the 2005 Anugerah Industri Muzik (Malaysia’s equivalent of the Grammys). Its title track also clinched the top prize at Anugerah Juara Lagu that same year, cementing her place as a powerhouse in Malaysia’s music scene.
Her achievements didn’t stop there. Victor performed on some of the region’s grandest stages, including the 2011 and 2017 SEA Games. In 2006, she filmed her first music video for Ceritera Cinta, a duet with Indonesian singer Rio Febrian. Her foray into acting also garnered praise, earning her the Most Promising Actress award at the 2009 Malaysian Film Festival for her role in Yasmin Ahmad’s Talentime.
Over the years, Victor has amassed numerous accolades:
- 10 Anugerah Industri Muzik awards
- 5 Anugerah Juara Lagu wins
- Anugerah Bintang Popular recognition
- 2 Anugerah Planet Muzik awards
- Anugerah Skrin honours
Reinvention and Independence
Victor’s journey is not just about perseverance—it’s also about evolution. In 2023, she took control of her artistry by launching her own music label, Rag Doll Record, and self-producing her single Kembalilah. She continued to showcase her versatility this year with the release of two singles: the soulful Sesal Tak Bermakna in August and the funky, danceable B.D.T. in November.
Her ability to adapt and grow has kept her at the forefront of Malaysia’s music industry. Victor’s dedication to her craft is a testament to her passion and work ethic, qualities that have earned her a lasting place in the hearts of fans.
Despite the rude remarks, Jaclyn Victor has proven that success is the best response to negativity. She’s now celebrated as one of Malaysia’s most accomplished music artists, with a legacy that speaks for itself.
On a broader note, racism continues to be a persistent issue in society, often traced back to the upbringing and ingrained beliefs passed down within families. This unfortunate cycle perpetuates prejudice and fuels discriminatory behaviour.
We’ve seen similar incidents in the past, such as the influencer who sparked outrage by making derogatory comments about a beloved KL tea stall, leading to widespread calls to stop supporting their content. Another troubling case involved TV presenter Sheahnee Iman Lee, whose Australian mother was harassed by a group of teenagers solely because of her skin colour. These examples highlight the ongoing need for change and awareness in tackling racism in our communities.
Read: Netizens Call Out TikToker For Rude Behaviour Towards Popular KL Tea Stall
Read: Aussie Mum Of Malaysian TV Host Harassed By Teens In Women-Only KTM Carriage During Merdeka
Let’s strive for better, Malaysia. As we approach 2025, it’s time to leave behind the hate based on race and religion. Let’s embrace unity, understanding, and respect for one another.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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