ARTISTS should consider religious and racial sensitivities before producing work to avoid unwarranted controversy that could cost them their show, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic affairs Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Commenting on the recent furore surrounding the cancellation of Love in Georgetown City after protests by conservative Muslim groups, Mujahid said art enthusiasts must accept that multiethnic Malaysia could turn chaotic if sensitive issues are not dealt with properly.

“Nobody is stopping you from directing a play, but if it is a sensitive issue, how do you portray it?” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“For artists who have been demanding freedom, who have been against censorship, I urge them to understand that this is not the West.

“Malaysia has religious and racial sensitivities. They know that it will create problems if the matter is not handled with care.”

The play, directed by Fa Abdul, was originally titled Sex in Georgetown City, but was renamed after Muslim groups threatened to protest outside the theatre where it was scheduled to show.

Despite the change of name and Fa apologising for offending certain quarters, police recommended that the play be cancelled after being shown for only one day on Valentine’s.

“Police are doing their job and they have seen the play. There is no issue, but here, the sensitivity could become an issue and could spread across the country,” said Mujahid.

The Amanah vice-president said the unfortunate outcome of the controversy is that the public no longer looks at the screenplay, but focuses just on the title.

“Don’t cause an issue without any reason. No issue, and suddenly, it is everywhere. Maybe the play was good, but the title caused a problem.

“People now are no longer interested in the message. They will talk about the title, not about the play.”

Such actions could lead to radicalisation as conservatives feel that their faith is being challenged by liberals, he said.

“Some might take this issue badly, and if it falls on the minds of radicals, then it is finished. The radicals might use this as an excuse, and this will not help.” – February 23, 2019.