Rahman also extended the invitation to other celebrities in a post on Twitter today.
“Maybe Persatuan Seniman can organise the visit and I will be delighted to be the host,” the Kota Belud MP tweeted.
In earlier tweets, Rahman said: “It’s not wrong for celebrities to comment about our current affairs. But just like everyone else, be prepared to be criticised. Politics ain’t a one-way street.
“After all, in other countries, celebrities, comedians and even porn stars have a say about issues affecting their nations. Some even decided to become fulltime politicians.
“But these celebrities have a track record of involving themselves, for years, in issues they are passionate about. They attend and organise talks, participate in discussions etc. They rarely tweet one or two times and expect people to understand their motives.”
“I love Sheila Majid. I am a big fan. If I can tolerate inane ramblings by the opposition, surely I can listen to her or anyone’s honest view. But I do hope she can engage her critics and articulate further the reasons why she said what she said.”
Sheila had recently lamented about the high cost of living and the weak ringgit in a post on Twitter.
“Food is expensive, ringgit is weak, cost of living is high & jobs are scarce.
“Msians are becoming tired & angry for being squeezed over debts we did not create.
“Stop making excuses & looking for faults. Focus on the job of getting our country back on track! Disappointing!” the popular celebrity had tweeted on the social networking service.
Her tweet was widely shared. While some netizens praised her for highlighting the issue, others questioned her lifestyle and suggested that she would not understand the hardships caused by the high cost of living, weak ringgit and lack of job opportunities.
Among those who voiced support for Sheila’s tweet was Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
However, two groups representing local entertainers have offered differing views on Sheila Majid’s tweet on the high cost of living, which was perceived as criticism of the government.
Karyawan, which brings together local artistes, said performers should stick to what they do best — entertaining others with their songs and films.
Artistes who want to get involved in politics should do so “properly”, it had added.
The Artistes Association of Malaysia (Seniman), however, said all artistes had the right to air their opinions on social media as it was an individual platform.
“What was expressed by Sheila Majid is an individual right. Everyone has their own views.
“Our country is not always in good condition. It has its ups and downs,” Seniman president Zed Zaidi had said, adding that this was normal.
Meanwhile, some netizens welcomed Rahman’s invitation to Sheila and other celebrities and said they should all accept it.
Sein Hamid commented: “Respect sir, please invite all of them for the briefing.”
Another Twitter user, Mohd Zani, said: “Please do that, maybe they’ll shop at wet market, not supermarket.”
Austin Gan added: It’s a good idea to invite Sheila to the EPU.”
Amy Shah also agreed that it was “a very good notion to educate them indeed”.
However, Twitter user Akma told Rahman, who is in charge of EPU: “Can we take you to the supermarket instead? Shop with us, then you will know how expensive groceries are. Listen, people will not complain if it is not pressing.”
Singer Sheila Majid laments high cost of living and weak ringgit