Veteran producer and director Erma Fatima has firmly dismissed speculation linking her latest drama, ‘Jangan Panggil Aku Gus’, to celebrity preacher Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohd. Shaiful, better known as Da’i Syed.
“Not at all. It has nothing to do with him,” she said, shutting down claims by some netizens that the series draws inspiration from the preacher’s life.
The speculation arose after a social media user suggested that the drama was inspired by Da’i Syed, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence and three strokes of the cane after being convicted of raping a woman seven years ago.
The 58-year-old stressed that she has not followed the individual’s personal story and is unaware of the facts surrounding his case.
“Whatever has happened to him, I don’t even know the truth of it,” she said.
“I don’t make stories based on things I’m unfamiliar with. I also don’t wish to touch on issues when the real truth is unclear.
“That’s what I mean. I am neither denying nor confirming anything — because it simply has nothing to do with him.”
Asked about the progress, Erma is grateful that the drama brought together actors from Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Alhamdulillah, I hope we’ll see more collaborations between the two countries in future, whether in drama or film.
“There was a time when we did films like ‘Gadis Hitam Putih’. It has been a while since we embarked on a joint venture like this,” she added.
The cross-border production features a line-up of popular Malaysian and Indonesian stars, including Bara Valentino, Lukman Sardi, Elina Joerg, Bima Samudera, Anna Jobling, Puteri Sarah, Umie Aida and Vanida Imran.
Erma also spoke candidly about her return to the director’s chair after a decade-long hiatus — a comeback she described as coincidental. Two directors initially approached for the project had to withdraw due to prior commitments and personal circumstances.
“When both were unable to commit, I had to step in. In any case, I’ll be directing a film soon after Hari Raya, so this felt like a good warm-up for me,” she explained.
‘Jangan Panggil Aku Gus’ will premiere exclusively on the Karya Reels app beginning March 5.
