PETALING JAYA: A group of rights NGOs and prominent persons have called on the government to end the increasing harassment of actors and filmmakers behind the locally produced movie “Mentega Terbang”.
They said steps must be taken to ensure the safety of all those involved in the independent film currently being probed for religious provocation.
They added that freedom of expression applied to all kinds of ideas, including those that might cause offence or challenge religious beliefs.
“Producing a film, which some may see as insulting a religion, is protected under the right to freedom of expression,” the group said in a joint statement.
Among the signatories are Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Tenaganita, Sisters in Islam (SIS), North South Initiative, lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan and Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
They went on to say that while the plot might be provocative, it did not incite hatred.
It was recently reported that the movie’s director Khairi Anwar received death threats while his car and that of actor Arjun Thanaraju were splashed with red paint and acid.
“Mentega Terbang”, which touches on the differences and similarities of the major religions in Malaysia, has drawn criticism from some members of the public as well as artistes. The movie has been available online since 2021.
Police are investigating those behind the movie after eight reports were lodged against it.
“The investigation of the actors and filmmakers of ‘Mentega Terbang’ is a clear attempt to stifle freedom of expression in the country through harassment and intimidation,” the group said.
Earlier this month, a separate group of NGOs as well as writers and producers questioned the government’s passivity over the threats made against the movie’s filmmakers and producers.
The inaction from the government sent the wrong message that threats of violence were acceptable if one felt offended, they said, adding that such action had instilled fear in the local creative industry.