Only the minister can fire me, says Hans Isaac

Hans Isaac is refusing to bow down to pressure to vacate his position as the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) chairperson.

He said he would only step down if he receives instructions to do so by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, as the ministry oversees Finas.

Hans, an actor, producer and director, was appointed to the two-year position this April.

“No. I will not bow to pressure (to resign). The appointment of chairperson was made by the minister. The only person who can fire me is the minister himself," he told the press after a cheque presentation ceremony for the Incentive Feature Film and Local Films International Achievement at the Finas complex studio in Ampang, today.

“If I am to be fired, I will respect that decision.” 

Hans stressed that he would not hesitate to take legal action if any of the allegations were to affect his image and reputation.

On Tuesday, six film-industry organisations called on Gobind, Hans and several Finas board of directors to step down for allegedly failing to bring changes to the corporation.

The six organisations are the Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia, Film Directors Association of Malaysia, Titiwangsa Film Community Association, Digital Creative Industry Organisation, Malaysian Cinematography Association and Artiste Association of Malaysia.

The groups further accused Hans of misusing his position and getting involved in the case concerning Finas chief executive officer Ahmad Idham’s upcoming departure.

Finas, in a statement on Monday, had claimed Ahmad requested his contract, due in March 2021, to be shortened by one year.

However, the announcement came amid controversy surrounding Ahmad’s suggestion to censor internet entertainment service Netflix, which was also shot down by Hans.

In his press conference today, Hans claimed the accusations, that the body has not brought positive change, originated from a few people.

“I respect that they can express their opinions. But respect Gobind as he has put in a lot of effort for Finas,” he said.

“I also do not have any issue with the CEO. I only had a discussion with Ahmad on Monday, so how could the associations make such comments?" 

He added that issues concerning such organisations or associations were not under his purview. Instead, he said such issues should be brought to the CEO’s attention.

“I do not have the authority to discuss problems concerning the associations as that is the CEO’s responsibility. I am just the chairperson in the boardroom,” he said. - Mkini