Group pressing for local Tamil content channel

A local creative group, peeved over the lack of locally produced Tamil content on satellite television network, Astro, is demanding government action.

Representatives of the Malaysian Indian Creative Content Action Force (MICCAF) made known their grouses in a protest note to Information, Communication and Culture Ministry deputy minister Maglin Dennis D'Cruz(left) in Parliament yesterday.

Spokesperson Jasmin Abdul Wahad said local Tamil talent has been sidelined by Astro as all seven Tamil channels aired by the broadcaster, prefers content from India.

"After 17 years in operation, Astro has failed to set up a channel with locally-produced content that would reflect the values, cultures, images and patriotism.

Slice sub-standard series call
"The dumping of sub-standard and stereotyped Indian programs and colonialism of immoral Indian series in Malaysia must be pruned now," said Jasmin in the protest note.

She also alleged that Media Prima, a media conglomerate that controls all four private free-to-air television channels, does not allocate any airtime for locally produced Tamil content either.

"(Media Prima) argued that they do not have social obligations towards Indian community," she said, adding that Tamil films will only be shown during the Deepavali period.

Hence, MICCAF is calling upon the ministry to among others, to advice Astro to setup a channel dedicated to local content and advice Media Prima to allocate a minimum two- hour slot for Tamil programmes and organise a dialogue session.

"We also want the information ministry to endorse 2013 as the Malaysian Indian Creative Content Year," she said.