Koh Tsu Koon's Warp Logic on the Screening of Tanda Putera

What is Koh Tsu Koon really trying to say on the selective screening of Tanda Putera, a controversial film by producer Suhaimi Baba? He defends private screenings of the film but what is his stand on the film; which according to the Minister of Information Rais Yatim who had previously said that Tanda Putera’s premier has been deferred because of ‘inappropriate’ scenes in the film.

Rais added; “The cabinet has decided for the benefit of the people, that the official premiere of the film be postponed as it contains scenes that may cause conflicts. This is because it shows the tragedy of May 13 which is disputed by various parties.”

As a minister looking at the interfaith affairs, what is Koh Tsu Koon's stand on Tanda Putera? His lack of conviction on his party's own ideology which supports non-racialism is exposed from his inability to decide where he stands on this issue. 

The fact  that Tanda Putera is shown and screened to selective groups of students and Felda villagers is already going against the directive of the Ministry of Information and Puspal. How can these screenings be considered private? These selective public screenings contained an ill intention to distort and manipulate public opinion to go against a certain group of people and community.

If Koh is a true defendant of democracy and freedom of expression, he should support the screenings of Tanda Putera to the masses. Let the film be judged on its accuracy, intention, content and so-called 'creativity'.

For better or worse, Suhaimi Baba should be prepared to accept all criticisms and feedbacks on her film. The government, through Finas, should be ready to justify why a grant is being given to produce a movie which contains "scenes that may cause social conflicts".

It appears to me that Koh's warp logic is disturbing and doing him no good as a leader of a non-racial political party. He sounds more like a confused civil servant than a political leader.