M’sian actress says women should reject men who earn less than them: ‘Come back when you’re earning more’

Malaysian actress Zarina Anjoulie sparked debate online after saying women should not feel guilty about rejecting men who earn significantly less than them.

The actress shared her views in response to a Threads post asking whether it was wrong for a woman earning RM8,000 (S$2,400) a month to reject a man earning RM2,000 (S$600), out of concern that she would eventually have to financially support him.

Zarina said there was “nothing wrong” with rejecting a man over such concerns.

Says she experienced same issue in 2 marriages

In a Threads comment that has since gone viral, Zarina said she had encountered similar issues in both her previous marriages.

“Men will try to brainwash you into believing couples should struggle together,” she wrote in Malay.

However, she claimed that when women themselves face hardship, men are often unwilling to step in and help financially.

She also alleged that women who ask for support are frequently labelled “gold diggers.”

“So why should women suffer with men?” she wrote, adding that women should tell such men to “come back when [they’re] earning more.”

Her comment had garnered thousands of likes and reactions online.

Says effort and initiative are important too

Zarina also said there is nothing shameful about men taking on side hustles such as driving for Grab or selling second-hand clothing if they are genuinely trying to improve their financial situation.

“If women can work hard and earn more, men can too,” she wrote.

She added that what matters is whether a person is hardworking and willing to put in effort.

Her comments drew mixed reactions online.

Some social media users agreed with her perspective, saying financial compatibility is important in long-term relationships.

Others argued that character and commitment should matter more than income level.

One user wrote that “mindset, planning and the journey ahead” are more important than money alone in a relationship.

Another commenter pointed out that earning a high salary does not necessarily guarantee a happy marriage.

In response, Zarina said financial hardship can still place strain on relationships, adding, “When times are rough, you realise that love doesn’t pay the electric bill.”

Comments appear linked to past relationships

Zarina’s comments also appeared to reflect her past experiences involving marriage and finances.

In 2021, she publicly addressed her split from ex-husband Eilyas Azhar and asked him to return luxury items she had bought for him during their marriage, including a Gucci bag and a phone, according to Malay Mail.

At the time, she also wrote, “You need to understand that I’m not your sugar mummy.”