Sabri Yunus said that judges should evaluate every aspect of a contestant
Sabri Yunus said that judges should evaluate every aspect of a contestant

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran comedian and director Sabri Yunus believes that judging comedy talent searches is a serious job, and judges should be aware of their responsibilities to contestants.

He said that judges should evaluate every aspect of a contestant, from the theme of his sketch to his way of thinking and self-image.

"Judges should not merely greet contestants and praise them. They should be critical and tough, so that contestants do their best, improve their weekly performances and raise the bar higher," he said in a news report yesterday.

Sabri added that judges should not be chosen from comedians alone, as not all of them were capable of judging.

"It is good to have serious actors amongst the judges. They may be more versatile and are more capable of looking at every aspect of a contestant's performance."

He said that they might also be comedy fans and could assess the "pros and cons" of a performance better.

"As keen followers of comedy, they would know what makes them laugh. That will help improve the quality of new comedians."

Sabri said that judges should not be chosen based on their popularity, but credibility.

"A good judge must be one who has vast experience, only then is he able to guide new comedians and make them see their strengths and weaknesses."

He added that judges who opened the contestants' minds were necessary to make them improve.

"The contestants must be made to think, question their performances and come up with new and better ideas. Comedy is all about thinking out of the box."