'Mentega Terbang film not new, why didn’t previous govt take actions?'

The previous government has been taken to task for not taking action against the production of the ‘Mentega Terbang’ film that has courted controversy recently.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasised that the locally produced independent film is not a new film as it was aired in 2021, during former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration.

“Who governed at that time? Why were there no actions taken? Where were the parties who have filed complaints now?” Fahmi questioned during a press conference after attending an event in UiTM Shah Alam today.

“This is not a new matter, but since it was not resolved then, we will have to solve it now.

“I will leave it to Finas (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia) to carry out investigations, and if actions need to be taken, I believe the authorities will execute them.”

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, reminded those who have filed complaints not to be hypocrites.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil

“These rabble-rousers are not adding fuel to fire but more like pouring orange juice onto their rice to appease their political appetite.

“If they want to add gravy, why didn’t they add it when certain ‘tribes’ were governing? It’s very saddening,” said Fahmi.

While not mentioning names, Fahmi is believed to be referring to the recent controversy involving Chukai assemblyperson Hanafiah Mat, who, in a TikTok video, was seen pouring orange juice onto a gravy-less dish, allegedly to be a meal from the Menu Rahmah.

Hanafiah has since threatened legal action against those who spread the video and make false accusations against him.

Public anger

Previously, ‘Mentega Terbang’, which was released on the streaming service platform Viu, invited criticism and anger from the public as it allegedly featured scenes with elements that contradicted religious beliefs.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said checks conducted by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department on the contents of the film have found that it goes against the Muslims’ creed and way of life from the Syafie school of thought in Malaysia.

Mohd Na’iam said the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department was also asked to call the parties involved in the production of the film for follow-up procedures.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was reported as saying by Free Malaysia Today that Viu had taken down the controversial movie on Feb 27. - Mkini