Actor Dharma laments the growing criticism his kids receive

KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Dharma Harun Al-Rashid, 68, who rose to fame in the 1980s, is allegedly ignoring criticism directed at his two children, saying they don’t want to work to help him with his finances. 

When word spread that Siti Qurratu Aini, 36, and Muhammad Al Syafiq Mohamad Azman, 35, would shortly be forced out of their Wangsa Maju home because their father had neglected to pay many months’ worth of rent, criticism was directed on them.

Dharma claimed that strangers were ignorant of the entire situation and that he was the one who had urged them to pursue their education at this time. 

“I know what people are saying about them. Naturally, as a father, I find it upsetting that people are making fun of and accusing my children.

Since they were eighteen, they have assisted me in producing films. They have helped me with television shows and dramas.”They have produced, directed, written screenplays, and acted. “We had no financial issues prior to the lockdown.”However, issues arose when a TV station that had committed to purchasing my company’s “Deko Ibadah” programming, which was valued at RM312,000, failed to do so.”

“I don’t understand why people from outside are upset about my children continuing their education,” he remarked. If my kids were spending all of their time at malls, they may become enraged. 

“During this entire time, they have complied with my instructions and immersed themselves in the production industry, to the extent that they have been unable to pursue their education.” Thus, now is the ideal moment.To be able to find steady employment, I want them to get an education. They no longer need to lead a life of misery.” 

Siti Qurratu Aini has opted not to respond to the criticism by speaking at all.

She has enrolled in the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in writing with honours (film and television writing). 

“I can’t stop people from talking. No big deal, nothing to get worked up over if I am on the right side.

“Since we had no money issues previously, I just paid attention to my studies. However, I hadn’t anticipated being put to the test like this.”Some folks may be questioning why I don’t work and go to school at the same time. I’m too busy right now, but maybe after today, I’ll give it some thought.”