IT is hypocritical and contradictory of government leaders to praise Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win while local film producers and actors are subjected to harassment and criminal investigations over their work, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) said.  

LFL director Zaid Malek said the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, for which Yeoh won the best actress award, would have been the subject of a criminal investigation had it been made in Malaysia. 

This is because the movie has LGBT themes. 

“Yeoh herself would likely have been hauled up for police questioning (like the) ‘Mentega Terbang’ actors,” he said, referring to the controversial local production that had been deemed offensive by Malaysian authorities. 

“For the government to now ride on the coattails of Yeoh’s brilliant Oscar win is distasteful and ironical.” 

The prime minister had congratulated Yeoh on bagging the best actress award at the 95th Academy Awards. 

He commended the Ipoh-born Yeoh, the first Asian woman to win in the lead actress category, for putting Malaysia on the map. 

“Mentega Terbang”, on the other hand, was banned after it was found to contain elements that went against the teachings of Islam. 

Last week, Terengganu banned the movie “Pulau” on the grounds that it was obscene, after a trailer was released featuring female characters in bikinis and intimate scenes. 

Zaid said local filmmakers and producers have long been shackled by excessive censorship. 

“The supposedly reformist government led by Pakatan Harapan has shown that it is no different.” 

He asked if the government would now withdraw their actions against “Pulau” and “Mentega Terbang”. 

“Will they at least now stop kowtowing to the moral policing of zealots and give our film producers the artistic freedom to create great films? 

“Ministers like Fahmi are promising to improve our national film policy.  

“But such statements ring hollow when a film like “Mentega Terbang” that tries to explore heavier and mature themes are subjected to criminal investigation and condemnation from government agencies to appease the vocal conservatives.” 

He said if the government wished to take credit for accolades obtained by Malaysian artists, it would have to protect creative freedom.  

“Only then can the local film and art scene truly flourish, and the government have a right to share in the glory of the achievements of Malaysian actors or filmmakers.” – March 14, 2023.