The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) said it would not hinder or obstruct anyone from releasing films after an NGO voiced concerns over the negative portrayal of Sikhs in the movie ‘Mat Kilau’.
It said it supplied funding to the filmmakers behind the movie through the Digital Content Fund, which is aimed at providing a conducive post-production environment for the film’s development.
Nevertheless, it urged filmmakers to respect multicultural sensitivities.
"As a body advancing the country’s film industry, Finas urges creative industry players to be aware of sensitivities of audiences in this culturally and religiously rich country, in line with the Keluarga Malaysia aspiration," said Finas chairperson Zurainah Musa.
She emphasised that the enforcement of film content guidelines comes under the purview of the Home Ministry’s Film Censorship Board.
Poor portrayal of other races
Earlier today, a Sikh group reportedly raised concern over the portrayal of other races in ‘Mat Kilau’, which it said may cause religious and racial misunderstanding.
The Malaysian chapter of United Sikhs said it was regretful that those from other races and religions were portrayed as villains.
In the movie, turbaned Sikhs who were British soldiers were portrayed to have manhandled the elderly, children, and vulnerable people.
"The Sikh code of practice prohibits laying their hands on old folk, children, women and helpless citizens, even during a war.
"Whilst the controversial scenes in the movie were fictional, it is distasteful and hurts the sentiments of Sikhs,” the group said. - Mkini
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