SEVERAL associations in the film industry today slammed Awesome TV for its rude response to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil following his call for the television station to immediately resolve its outstanding debt issues. 

These associations, in their respective statements issued today, expressed their disappointment with Awesome TV’s action and urged the television station to issue a public apology to Fahmi, in addition to resolving payment issues involving producers and artists. 

Malaysian Film Producers Association president Pansha said Awesome TV’s statement gave the impression the minister did not have the power to resolve industry problems and fight for the plight of oppressed arts practitioners. 

“Despite many negotiations with Awesome TV, there was no solution in sight. Dragging publishers and artists to court to resolve the broadcaster’s internal issues is an unwise and dishonest solution. 

“This problem should be resolved comprehensively by Awesome TV, without involving other parties, including using media channels,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Film Directors Association of Malaysia president Ahmad Ibrahim described Awesome TV’s counter statement on Fahmi’s remark as extremely unethical and impolite, as well as disappointing. 

“We suggest that Awesome TV apologise to Fahmi Fadzil publicly for its rude statement. We are also concerned that this matter will be exploited by certain parties to be used as a political agenda and polemic,” he said. 

Malaysian Artists Association (Seniman) president Zed Zaidi said the television station’s actions also offended as well as tested the patience of local arts practitioners. 

He suggested that Awesome TV, as well as the vendors involved, meet directly with the minister to resolve their internal problems in a civilised manner, especially with regard to broadcasting programmes.

Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia president Khalil Saleh shared the same view, expressing the association’s full support for the minister’s intervention to help resolve Awesome TV’s extraordinary problems, which affected all parties, especially producers. 

“As a broadcaster which has been issued a licence by the government, Awesome TV should have a more professional, responsible attitude, and accept reprimands from the minister,” he said. 

On May 29, at the Creative Industries Town Hall Session (Series 3: Film Industry) at RexKL, Fahmi asked Awesome TV to discharge its obligations to settle unpaid debts and lawsuits involving publishers as soon as possible. Following that, Awesome TV in its counter statement advised Fahmi not to meddle in the television station’s commercial affairs with its suppliers. – Bernama, May 31, 2023.