IT is hypocritical of the government to sing praises of Malaysian artists succeeding abroad, yet clamp down on local artists here for their creative endeavours, human rights group Lawyers for Liberty said.

The group was commenting on the recent statement by the Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, where he stated that the trailer for local horror film, “Pulau”, is not suitable for public viewing.

Its director Zaid Malek said film producers should be free to express themselves in films without government intervention.

“We urge the government to not bully local film producers as has been done in the case of ‘Pulau’ or impose excessive and unreasonable restrictions upon local artists simply to pander for votes from conservative segments.

“The right to freedom of expression must be put above protecting the paper-thin sensibilities of some segments of the public,” Zaid said.

“Pulau”, which is scheduled to be screened on March 9, had been criticised by various parties following the release of the trailer. They also urged the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia (LPF) to review the approval given for the screening of the movie.

Yesterday, it was reported that National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) was not responsible for approving the screening of the horror, film which sparked controversy because it allegedly contained steamy scenes.

Finas chief executive officer Nasir Ibrahim was reported to have said that the publication content guidelines were under the jurisdiction of LPF.

According to Zaid, by entertaining a small conservative segment, the government is treading on a dangerous path that will effectively restrict the country’s constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.

Adding further he said that it is inevitable for art and film to be provoking and it must not be restricted simply because of knee-jerk reactions from some members of the public.

“That is the point of article 10(1)(a), that even unpopular or minority productions are able to be expressed on the public platform. 

“Art or creative work in any form and medium is protected under article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution and cannot simply be curtailed by a minister trying to score political points from a certain conservative crowd.”

“Censorship of art or film based on the extreme views of certain groups is more dangerous than it seems, as it could eventually lead to historical and cultural erasure,” he added. – January 20, 2023.