Several prominent entertainment industry figures are up in arms over the torrent of criticisms against their colleagues for speaking up about current affairs.

Yesterday, several Umno figures had attacked popular jazz singer Sheila Majid for complaining about cost-of-living issues online.

For award-winning actress and singer Adibah Noor, the reactions have made it seem like some believe that entertainers have no say at all.

"When the artistes speak up, they will use the same 'template' to hentam (bash) them repeatedly," Adibah wrote on Twitter today.

The modus operandi, she said, includes applying the "pro-opposition" label on the artistes, accusing them of speaking without having the requisite expertise and accusing them of trying to seek cheap publicity.

"This, and more. It is as though 'artistes' have no right to say anything," Adibah wrote...