THE Communications and Multimedia Ministry will not ban local television shows that portray characters with honorifics as immoral individuals who have affairs with married women and take bribes, said Annuar Musa.

“The ministry does monitor all aired content, including dramas. As long as the writing does not breach any guideline and respects national values (Rukun Negara), we allow creative liberties in the scripts,” the communications and multimedia minister told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Annuar said the industry needs to be given creative licenses, within reason, to shape characters as they are trying to send a message with the storyline.

“Stories that bring negative values to the people and oppose our principles will be monitored.”

He said currently, there are two methods of developing local content: one directly by broadcaster RTM, while the other is through pitching by other production houses.

“Content by RTM has more stringent control, while pitching by production houses goes through a panel that ensures it fits the criteria that needs to be aired.”

Annuar was answering a question from Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Hulu Langat-PH) who asked if the ministry intends to look into the matter, as such portrayal tarnishes the image of the title holders. – October 11, 2021.