FILMMAKERS want the government to better ensure their safety, especially when their productions contain controversial material.

They said that instances of filmmakers facing online harassment, police reports, and threats to life and property should not happen at all, insisting the government – particularly the ministry in charge of the film industry – be more supportive.

Comments from industry players come on the back of anonymous death threats made against the director of independent film “Mentega Terbang” and one of its actors.

New York art school graduate Badrul Hisham Ismail lambasted Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil for failing to guarantee the safety of people in the creative industry.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight, the New York art school graduate said Putrajaya could have done better in handling the controversies surrounding “Mentega Terbang”.

“The government has failed miserably. They can’t even guarantee the safety of filmmakers or artists. I am blaming Fahmi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mohktar.

“Both have failed badly. They even failed to do the simplest thing, that is issuing a statement to say that they support creativity and that every disagreement should be dealt with, or negotiated in a peaceful manner.

“They can’t even do that and because of that, certain groups have come out with death threats. Fahmi was busy praising Michelle Yeoh for her Oscar win but can’t do anything to protect our artists here.

“If that is not a failure, then what is? As a minister he could have done better,” said Badrul, who has made several documentaries and films.

Meanwhile, Zahrin Aris, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Film Producers Association (MFPA), said the incident was regrettable.

He said, while his organisation may not agree with “Mentega Terbang”, whoever had made the threats against the director and actor had gone overboard.

“Let the police do their work, ordinary people shouldn’t take matters into their own hands. We condemn the harassment of the director and the actor.

“We may not agree with the film, but we must not resort to violence. This must not happen again and I hope the police can put an end to this,” Zahrin said.

“Mentega Terbang” director Khairi Anwar Jailani and actor Arjun Thanaraju’s vehicles were splashed with black and red paint yesterday morning.

Khairi also received several death threats.

He lodged a police report at Kajang police station, while Arjun made his report at Ampang Jaya station.

Hampering creativity

An activist, who was investigated by the police some years ago for showing a controversial documentary, also criticised the government for not doing enough to protect the creative industry in Malaysia.

The activist, who wished to remain anonymous, said the attack could set a dangerous precedent and allow a narrow-minded mentality to take over.

“As a result, there will not be different varieties of film. We will be seeing the same kind of film, the same kind of art directing, the same kind of creativity in our art space.

“We have changed the government twice and this administration is supposed to be progressive, but we still see punishment against creative discourse here.

“If this is how we act on creativity, we will never grow. We will be served with the same kind of art for a long period of time,” he said.

Over the past week, Bukit Aman has taken statements from Khairi, Arjun and several other actors over the film.

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

“Mentega Terbang”, which discusses the similarities and differences of the major religions in Malaysia, has drawn criticism from the public as well as artists.

The film has been available for viewing online since 2021.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the streaming platform Viu had taken the film down on February 27, adding that it was committed to working with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia to monitor any content that contradicted the teachings of Islam. – March 17, 2023.