A DIRECTOR and an actor of the local movie “Mentega Terbang” have been summoned to Bukit Aman federal police headquarters today to have their statements taken. 

Khairi Anwar Jailani and actor Arjun Thanaraju said they cooperated with the cops and answered all the questions asked.

Speaking to reporters after giving their statements, Khairi said filmmakers should be given the freedom to express their creativity.

“Our job as filmmakers is to highlight current issues, and our freedom of expression should not be controlled,” he said.

Lawyer Zaid Malek, who is representing the duo, meanwhile, said the case was being investigated under section 298A of the penal code for causing disharmony, section 505(b) of the same code for statements that could lead to public alarm and distress, and section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

“Mentega Terbang” has been mired in controversy following complaints that it delves on the similarities and differences of the major religions in Malaysia.

Some Muslims have condemned the movie, which was shown on streaming service platform Viu, for its religious pluralism theme. 

Religious affairs minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said it was the Islamic Development Department’s view that the movie was in contravention of the Islamic laws practised in Malaysia.  

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

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said Viu had removed the controversial movie from its listing on February 27. 

Bukit Aman also confirmed it had received eight police reports in connection with the movie. – March 10, 2023.