KUALA LUMPUR: Upin & Ipin character Fizi was “cancelled” by netizens over a controversial line he made on the show’s Hari Raya special.
In the episode, Syahdunya Syawal, Fizi told twins Upin and Ipin that “children who have no mother will not go to heaven ” (original dialogue, ‘kalau tak ada ibu, tak adalah syurga’). The line comes as the characters in the show are discussing how they will help their mothers prepare for Hari Raya celebrations.
For those who are unfamiliar with the show, Upin and Ipin are orphans who live with their Grandmother, Opah, and older sister, Kak Ros. As such, Fizi’s comment struck a nerve with fans.
In response to the backlash, producers at Les’ Copaque have put up an apology video featuring Fizi.
“Fizi is here today to apologise to Upin and Ipin. I did not mean to hurt their feelings the other day. After talking to Mail (another character on the show), I have realised what I did wrong, so please don’t scold me anymore, ” Fizi says in the five-minute video.
The video, which took two days to complete, then shows Upin and Ipin forgiving Fizi for what he had said.
Friendship has always been a central theme in Upin & Ipin.
While Les’ Copaque was quick to respond to criticism, director Burhanuddin Radzi noted that fans’ outrage at Fizi’s comments indicated just how loved the show is.
-The Star