Zulkifli: Screen Tanda Putera in schools and varsities

Former Bandar Baharu Kulim MP Zulkifli Noordin has called for the controversial film ‘Tanda Putera’ to be screened at all secondary schools and universities, as well as national service camps.

In an opinion piece in Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia today, he said that many of the younger generation do not know of past transgressions against the Malay community.

"If they knew, they would surely arise against chauvinistic, racist and extremist groups that masquerade as champions of democracy, human rights and anti-corruption with the purpose of toppling the Malay-led BN," he opined.

‘Tanda Putera’ chronicles the leadership of the second premier Abdul Razak Hussein and his deputy Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, against the backdrop of the May 13 riots in 1969.

The film has been criticised for its portrayal of the riots by showing provocation by the Chinese against Malays that led to a bloodbath.

Zulkifli, who is also Perkasa vice-president, said the film should also be shown on television and screened at all government-linked companies, as well as for MPs and state assemblypersons.

He stressed that the rhetoric today - particularly against the Malay rulers and Malay special privileges - was similar to that during 1969.

"Whoever watches ‘Tanda Putera’ will find that the chauvinistic, racist and extremist attitudes during May 13, 1969 have not changed. In fact, some of the characters portrayed are still active today," he added.

As such, he urged the public to take members of their family and friends to watch the film when it is shown in cinemas from Aug 29.

Public screening had been postponed several times prior to last month’s general election, although it is noted that there were private screenings for select audiences.