Hey Yeoh, hey Yeoh, it’s back to work you go, Malaysians told

MALAYSIANS have been ordered by the government to go to work after a rumour circulated that a public holiday had been created to celebrate Michelle Yeoh’s historic Oscar win.

On Sunday the 60-year-old became the first Asian woman to be crowned best actress at the Academy Awards for her leading role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, triggering jubilation in her home nation.

But there was a harsh return to reality for many on Monday night, when the Malaysian government issued a formal statement clarifying that they would not, in fact, get a day off to celebrate.

The office of Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister, said in a statement: “Information through screenshots of news that went viral on social media is FALSE. The public is requested not to spread or share false information.”

The original story, which made the rounds on messaging apps, was supposedly from Malaysia’s popular newspaper The Star. Dated March 13, the doctored screenshot featured the headline: ‘PM Anwar declares public holiday on a Wednesday: “This is the pride of a nation!”’

It appeared to make reference to a previous statement from Mr Anwar, who said Ms Yeoh was a “source of great inspiration and motivation” for Malaysians. The actress – who rose to international fame after portraying a Chinese spy in James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997 – was born in the city of Ipoh in the north of the country.

The Oscars were live streamed at an event in the capital city Kuala Lumpur on Monday, with her 84-year-old mother Janet present.

Footage of the room erupting into cheers has gone viral.