A GROUP of concerned Malaysians have urged the government to stop the witch hunt against the makers of the local movie “Mentega Terbang”.

Consisting of creative individuals and civil society organisations, the group called on the government to ensure a safe environment for filmmakers and artists to practise their craft.

“Creative content deemed offensive by certain individuals and groups must be handled in an independent, professional, and transparent manner, protecting both the creative freedoms of artists and vulnerable minors.

“We believe the long term solution does not lie in tightening censorship, pursuing punitive measures, nor allowing religious advisers to decide what is acceptable or unacceptable creative content,” the statement read, which carried in total the signatures of 42 individuals and organisations.

On Monday, Bukit Aman confirmed it had received eight police reports in connection with the movie Mentega Terbang. 

The police said the case was being investigated by Bukit Aman’s CID Special Investigation Unit under Section 298A and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The group said they were aware that authorities could step in following the lodging of police reports but urged them to remain impartial and just investigate the creators of Mentega Terbang.

“According to news reports, the filmmakers may be investigated under Section 298A and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The use of these laws imply that the filmmakers have intentionally incited disharmony in the country.

“Conversely, there is no investigation into the threats of physical violence and sexual harassment that have been unleashed on the filmmakers and producers of Mentega Terbang.

“In effect, this inaction sends the message that threats of violence are acceptable if one feels offended. This creates a culture of fear that endangers filmmakers and artists,” they said. 

The group added that the government’s response to the movie would have a major effect on the Malaysian film and creative industry. 

They asserted it would discourage filmmakers and content creators from producing critical content that was representative of the country’s diverse realities.

“If we are to move towards Malaysia Madani, then we need to create an environment that fosters a diversity of viewpoints, healthy debate, respectful engagement, and a spirit of creativity and innovation without fear – filmmaking and the arts are vital to this.

“Resources and energy should be channelled into media literacy and building a Malaysia Madani where adults are exposed, encouraged, and empowered to self-regulate and make informed decisions based on classifications and their own respective tastes, values, and principles. 

“Criticism and counter-perspectives should be allowed in a democratic society as long as they are expressed in a peaceful manner,” they added. 

The group said the government must not allow intimidation, threats, and a culture of fear perpetuated by particular groups to silence freedom of expression and undermine the enjoyment of rights and the practice of democracy. 

“Any restrictions to our freedom of expression must be legitimate, necessary, and proportionate to the harm caused,” they said. 

Muslims have condemned Mentega Terbang, which was shown on streaming service platform Viu, for its religious pluralism. 

Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said it was the Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) view that the movie was in contravention of the Islamic laws practised in Malaysia.  

Mohd Na’iam said he has ordered the religious authorities to question the parties involved in the production of the film.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said Viu had taken down the controversial movie on February 27. – March 8, 2023.