THE BN'S SWANSONG: May 13 film 'Tanda Putera' is Umno's worst propaganda

Well, Shuhaimi Baba you cried, raved and ranted that you were an independent film maker with your own views. You said "Tanda Putera" is not a political film to support any party.

I say, Bull Shit! It was supposed to be released in November last year but because Najib could not make up his mind on the election date, the film was postponed till he made up his mind. Looks like the 13th General Election is just weeks away now because the boss himself has released it to be premiered at the Felda gathering, where about 3,000 thousand got to watch it first.

Why was a local film premiered at an event not related to the film industry? Always there will be a fanfare for the premiere of any local film with personalities from the industry invited and it is always at a local cinema or a viewing hall.

But for "Tanda Putera", it is done at an event for Felda settlers. Doesn't this stink of government propaganda?

Without integrity, an artist is NOTHING

And you, Shuhaimi Baba, you said you were not biased. I've not seen the film but I suspect your hands were tied and you were dictated to on how to direct the movie, or else why this suspense?

But no matter what the pressure, you should have stood firm. Shame on you! You belong to the Arts and you must have the integrity and sense of doing justice to your profession and to society. If it is a propaganda film, then it should be made by a young aspiring film-maker who needs money - not you, an award-winning director.

And to Najib, if you thought that by showing this movie to the Felda Settlers, you will win over the Malays to vote for BN, then my friend, your 1Malaysia is a SHAM!

Here you are dividing and ruling the people, but you charade as if you want everyone to be united under your 1Malaysia umbrella. Do you dare show this film to an equal audience of Malays, Chinese, and Indians and then see whether your slogan is 1 Malaysia or 1 Malay-saja.

How sad for Malaysia when the Prime Minister of the country has to choose sides, and to win votes he has to make a movie on a subject of that Black Day when thousands of Chinese lives were lost and his own party disgraced itself by instigating the killings.

By right this movie should be banned if touches on sentiments of fellow Malaysians, but here it is funded by the Malaysian Government no less - all for the purpose of propagating votes.

Swansong

Back to you Shuhaimi Baba, I hope this film will be your swansong. I am sure you will be paid handsomely because after this film you may lose all credibility as an artist to your fellow comrades as well as the general public.

Most probably politics will beckon soon. If BN wins, you can have the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism as a gift (don't worry you won't need votes for it, they will make you a Senator first and then offer you the post).

Of course, if the opposite happens and you cannot make a living out of film-making , you will have to find an alternative job. Such is life. And remember Shuhaimi, what goes around comes around. So don't be too happy and gloat when you should be thorough ashamed of yourself!

Malaysia Chronicle