'Mentega Terbang' director, producer file challenge against gag order

The director and producer of the banned movie “Mentega Terbang” have filed a challenge against a court-issued gag order against them linked to their ongoing criminal case.

Mohd Khairianwar Jailani and Tan Meng Kheng filed the revision application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday.

Two days ago before the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court, the duo claimed trial to a charge of hurting the religious feelings of other people, via their involvement in the making of the controversial movie.

While allowing the duo to be released on bail, the lower court also allowed the prosecution’s application for a gag order against both accused from making public statements on the case, pending disposal of the case under Section 298 of the Penal Code.

In a media statement this afternoon, the duo’s counsel Zaid Malek confirmed the filing of the revision application, adding that the matter has been set for hearing before the High Court on Jan 24.

“The revision seeks to challenge the decision of the (two) magistrates (Khairianwar and Tan were charged at two separate magistrate’s courts) to issue gag orders against them, preventing them from discussing or making comments about the case to the media and the public.”

When contacted, Zaid said among the reasons cited for the challenge is that a gag order is wrong in law and breaches the fundamental freedom of expression.

Released in 2021 but banned last year, the movie tells the story of 15-year-old Aishah, who in the face of her mother’s death, gets drawn into exploring the concept of rebirth as contained in other religions.

Her father is also shown as a liberal character who has no issues with his daughter studying the holy scriptures of other religions in search of an answer. - Mkini