KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — The Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) has suggested to continue playing the national anthem, ‘Negaraku’, in cinemas, prior to the start of movie screenings.

It’s chairman, Datuk Md Afendi Hamdan said that Finas will also be seeking Multimedia and Communications Minister,  Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek’s advice on the matter.

“We did it throughout the National Day celebration month till Malaysia Day yesterday, why not just continue on, as it is a symbol of patriotism, and also a way to cultivate love for the nation,” Md Afendi told Umno mouthpiece, Utusan Malaysia yesterday.

He also criticised those who questioned the relevance of such a move.

“It is very simple, just one song, for a short while. There is no need for any promotion, but just Negaraku,” the daily quoted Md Afendi saying.

He also took Sarawak DAP chief and Bandar Kuching MP, Chong Chien Jen to task, over the latter’s Facebook posting, criticising the move to play Negaraku in entertainment outlets.

In a Facebook posting yesterday, Chong said that while he still feels it is inappropriate to play the national anthem in cinemas,  he regretted his comments and retracted his earlier posting.

Md Afendi urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take immediate action against Chong.

“This DAP leader has questioned the need to sing Negaraku in cinemas and has now, erased his controversial status.

“He is a coward and we all must protest against his action,” Utusan quoted Md Afendi saying.