KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — The Malaysian Film Directors Association (FDAM) is disappointed with the content of controversial indie film Mentega Terbang.
FDAM’s president, Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim via a press statement said that they were taking the matter seriously as it touched on the sensitivity of the Muslim community in the country and for spreading messages that go against the Islamic creed.
Ahmad said that the film’s director, Khairil Anwar, who is a member of FDAM, failed in terms of philosophical aspect and clearly breached the ethics of directing.
“FDAM felt that the public don’t have to watch the film to criticise it because the dialog and scenes are clearly insulting to Islam.
“There’s no need to watch this kind of film.
“Just through a couple of scenes such as the dialog between the father and the daughter on choosing religion and the dialog on consuming pork have shown a clear message,” Ahmad said in the statement.
FDAM will be taking action against the director by calling him in to give explanation regarding the controversial issue and demand Khairil apologise to viewers and the Muslim community.
“Sensitive issues relating to religion are not something to be trifled with, be it through acting or anything else.
“In fact, the Federal Constitution has stated that Islam is the official religion in the country and Malaysians should respect each other’s religion,” he said.
Ahmad added that FDAM also thinks that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should take action against the film as suggested by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
Mentega Terbang which touches on the differences and similarities of the major religions in Malaysia has prompted complaints from the public following its release on streaming platform, Viu.
After a quick check on Viu, the Anomalist Productions film which was released in January this year has been removed from the platform.
