KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 18 — The Terengganu government is ready to meet with ‘Pulau’ film producer Fred Chong to discuss the state’s ban on the movie being screened in cinemas over a controversial storyline.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the government will allow the relevant party to present arguments or justification regarding the film to enable a re-evaluation of the ban.
However, he said that so far the state government maintains its stand to ban the film based on the trailer, which is deemed to be inappropriate for the religion and cultural norms of Asian society.
“His argument that the trailer is not a full representation of the movie is beyond our knowledge.
“So, let’s wait to see what kind of appeal or justification he (Chong) will give us. We will give him space so as to evaluate the arguments to be presented,” he said after closing the 2023 Terengganu OKU (people with disabilities) Carnival at Dataran Batu Buruk here today.
Ahmad Samsuri also rejected the view that Terengganu has a backward mentality by banning the film, saying it is the responsibility of the government to protect the morals of the people in an effort to obtain blessings and preserve the harmony of the state.
“We want to keep Terengganu in a state of progress, blessing and prosperity. It is this blessing that we want to guard so that the people are protected from immoral behaviour,” he said. — Bernama
