Thursday, May 11, 2006
The Ban on 'Lelaki Komunis Terakhir' by Amir Muhammad
The Ban on 'Lelaki Komunis Terakhir' by Amir Muhammad
by Sonia Randhawa, 9 May 2006
Source : CIJ
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned about the ban on the film "Lelaki Komunis Terakhir" (LKT) by local director Amir Muhammad even after having been passed by the Censorship Board.
The film was rated "U", meaning suitable for viewing by all ages. Prior to approval for release in cinemas, it was screened to Special Branch officers who didn't find the content objectionable. Amir Muhammad says that this is the first time he has heard of screening a film to Special Branch officers for approval.
However, following several newspaper reports in Berita Harian from 3 to 5 May, the Home Affairs Ministry decided to ban LKT due to public opposition, according to local newspaper reports.
CIJ condemns the banning of the film, particularly when based on feedback from people who have not watched it. The Government appears increasingly to be acting on populist concerns without investigation, as in the case of action against the Kakikino film club which was shut down on April 21st this year.
The ban on LKT has a discouraging effect on local filmmakers' creativity. CIJ urges the ban be lifted allowing Malaysians to judge the film on its merits, political and creative, rather than on kneejerk political polemic .
Action: Please write to the Deputy Minister of the Home Affair Ministry,
Datuk Tan Chai Ho
Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Blok D2, Parcel D
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62546 Putrajaya
Tel: 03 88863000
For more information please contact CIJ Executive Director Sonia Randhawa (sonia at cijmalaysia dot org).
by Sonia Randhawa, 9 May 2006
Source : CIJ
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned about the ban on the film "Lelaki Komunis Terakhir" (LKT) by local director Amir Muhammad even after having been passed by the Censorship Board.
The film was rated "U", meaning suitable for viewing by all ages. Prior to approval for release in cinemas, it was screened to Special Branch officers who didn't find the content objectionable. Amir Muhammad says that this is the first time he has heard of screening a film to Special Branch officers for approval.
However, following several newspaper reports in Berita Harian from 3 to 5 May, the Home Affairs Ministry decided to ban LKT due to public opposition, according to local newspaper reports.
CIJ condemns the banning of the film, particularly when based on feedback from people who have not watched it. The Government appears increasingly to be acting on populist concerns without investigation, as in the case of action against the Kakikino film club which was shut down on April 21st this year.
The ban on LKT has a discouraging effect on local filmmakers' creativity. CIJ urges the ban be lifted allowing Malaysians to judge the film on its merits, political and creative, rather than on kneejerk political polemic .
Action: Please write to the Deputy Minister of the Home Affair Ministry,
Datuk Tan Chai Ho
Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Blok D2, Parcel D
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62546 Putrajaya
Tel: 03 88863000
For more information please contact CIJ Executive Director Sonia Randhawa (sonia at cijmalaysia dot org).
Creative Changers : a WAO volunteers project
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