Movie Star Michelle Yeoh Chimes In On Myanmar

Film star Michelle Yeoh has expressed support for anti-coup protesters in Myanmar, posting a picture of herself on social media displaying the pro-democracy three-finger salute.

The Malaysian actress played Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the Hollywood film "The Lady" a decade ago. The military government banned her from entering the country at that time.

Democratic reforms later allowed Suu Kyi rise to lead the country, before she was ousted and arrested by the military in last month's coup.

"As a long time friend of Myanmar, it breaks my heart to see it in turmoil," Yeoh wrote on Instagram.

"Treating each other with dignity and respecting one another's basic human rights is the only way for Myanmar to survive and grow as a country."

She added that it's a monumental task to decide the fate of a country, and it must be done through peaceful means.

Internet users gave a mixed response to the post by Yeoh. Some said they were grateful for her support for the people of Myanmar.

"Where were you when Hong Kong was protesting?" another user asked, in a comment that drew the most 'likes' and replies on Yeoh's thread.

Yeoh rose to fame in Hong Kong action cinema in the 1980s and 90s before breaking out as a Hollywood star with the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" in 1997, and then "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2000.