April 13, 2023
PETALING JAYA – No one is bigger than tradition, not even if you are an Oscar winner.
Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress, moved the hearts of many when she shared a photo of her paying homage to her late father at his graveyard to mark Qing Ming (Tomb Sweeping Day).
The golden statuette was there as well at Paradise Memorial Park, Tanjung Rambutan, Perak.
Her father Datuk Yeoh Kian Teik died in 2014 at the age of 89.
“Brought Mr O home. Without my parents’ love and trust and support, I wouldn’t be here today,” said the Ipoh-born in an Instagram post yesterday.
Many Malaysians found the images to be heart-warming.
“When I saw the picture of her bringing her Oscar to her dad’s grave, I cried!” said Twitter user Natalia @nastril20.
As for ykreborn, the Instagram user wrote:
“This is so special as an Asian – being able to show our caretakers that we ended up fine. I feel this deeply.”
“Your father will be proud of you too,” commented _chronicleoflife
Qing Ming is one of the major traditional festivals for the Chinese community. It is meant for families to show respect and place offerings to their ancestors.
According to a close friend of Michelle, she arrived in Ipoh a few days ago.
“She wanted to have some quiet time with her mother and their family,” said the friend.
It is understood that Michelle was in Malaysia for several days and then flew off to Hong Kong.
There are reports that she would be a presenter at the Hong Kong Film Awards 2023 on Sunday.
Michelle is expected to be back in Malaysia again.
“I think she’ll go to KL in a few more days,” said the friend.
She is slated to meet her fans on April 18 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
Michelle, 60, also shared another photo of her mother Datin Janet Yeoh smiling as she held the Oscar.
The images on Instagram led to a flurry of comments.
Entrepreneur-activist Datin Dian Lee responded with several heart-shaped emojis.
Other Malaysians remarked that Michelle had made her mother Janet proud.
Michelle is the first Asian to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.