Namewee's 'Banglasia' banned for insulting national security

PARLIAMENT The 'Banglasia' movie by Malaysian artist Namewee was banned because it insulted national security issues, including the Lahad Datu intrusion, said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid said the film had also mocked the capabilities of the country's security forces.

Other reasons the film were banned include giving a negative perception to government agencies on the issue of citizenship, and showcasing negative lifestyles such as practised by lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LBGT)

In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Zahid who is also deputy prime minister, said the film was also banned because "it could stir controversy and doubt among the public."

This was in regard to the message delivered by the film's title, theme, plot, dialogue, which he said had double meanings.

'Banglasia’ tells the story of a group of multi-cultural individuals coming together during a time when their cultural tolerance and understanding were being tested.

The movie was banned last year. -mkini