THE director of the controversial film “Mentega Terbang”, Khairi Anwar, and Meng Kheng Entertainment are suing the government for banning their movie.  

They are challenging the prohibition order gazetted against the film. 

Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek confirmed the filing of the judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on September 1. 

He said the lawsuit was against Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the federal government. 

“The applicants are seeking orders to quash the decision of the home minister, to compel him to revoke the gazette dated September 1, 2023 and for a declaration that Section 26 of Film Censorship 2002 is unconstitutional,” he said in a statement. 

Zaid added that the judicial review leave application was fixed for hearing on January 31 next year. 

In September, the Home Ministry banned the film “Mentega Terbang” after the publication of a government gazette.  

The ban came nearly six months after authorities received complaints from critics who said the film offended Muslim sensitivities. 

Saifuddin had issued the ban via an August 21 signed order. 

The film, including its publicity materials, cannot be screened, exhibited, distributed, sold, or owned, on grounds of public interest. 

“Mentega Terbang” explores the similarities between major religions in Malaysia. 

It told the journey of a 15-year-old girl who became curious about faith and the afterlife because of her mother’s declining health. 

Former religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, after watching the film, said “Mentega Terbang” could distort beliefs. – December 8, 2023.