'Saloma' biopic: Legal notice not for me - Melissa Saila

Many of us have heard the story of Puan Sri Saloma, the legendary entertainer who rose to fame for her golden voice and inimitable acting skills entertained the masses in the Golden Age of Malay Cinema in the 1950s.

And Saloma, the biopic -- a tribute to her sterling career in showbiz -struck a sour note among her family members who totally disagree with the misrepresentation of facts from the eyes of writer, producer and director from the production company, Kus Semangat Aktor.

In a statement issued by Adlin Aman Ramlie, the next-of-kin of the late AR Tompel, he criticised the biopic as 'unfair' and 'malicious' that has resulted in tarnishing Tompel's life values.

The impact of the screening (particularly Saloma - Part 1 - Mencuri Guruh) where AR Tompel (played by Azhan Rani) is portrayed as an antagonist who was responsible in the suffering of the protagonist, Saloma -- had left an indelible impact on Saloma's family members including her 16 children.

Infringement of rights and authenticity of the life story portrayed by the producer as well as the broadcaster were also evident, Adlin stated.

That the producer did not obtain any permission of sorts from Saloma's family members to 'reenact' Saloma as the main subject in the biopic also struck the wrong chords among her family members, said Adlin in the statement.

As a result, he said, Saloma's immediate family members are thrusted into the 'limelight' and faced with misperceptions by the society.

The telefilm which is divided into two parts – Mencuri Guruh and Padang Kaseh – is exclusively aired on Astro First starting August 28. Adlin Aman Ramlie as the next-of-kin to A.R Tompel,

Saloma’s first husband, criticised the broadcasting of the telefilm and will take legal action to the relevant authorities.

Melissa, when contacted however refused to comment citing that no legal documents were sent to the company (Kus Semangat Actor).

“I’ve heard about the issue but I'm unable to comment as the notice that Adlin sent was addressed to the broadcaster (Astro) and not to me.

It is understood that Adlin, who is represented by legal firm Azam & Co., has sent a notice to Astro to stop airing the biopic.

Adlin and other A.R Tompel’s next-of-kin will host a press conference at Finas on Thursday at 3pm.

A.R Tompel’s other next-of-kin AR Badul, Amran Tompel and his two wives Ruminah Sidek and Zaiton Ismail are expected to attend the press conference.