KUALA LUMPUR: The fiasco involving a description of a rape scene by actor Fauzi Nawawi has encouraged companies and individuals in showbiz to promote a code of conduct.
The group known as the Integrated Malaysian Actors Network (Iman), with the support of the Malaysian Association of Advertising Filmmakers (PPFIM), has initiated a pledge to support the code which covers discrimination, bullying and harassment.
In a statement today, Iman said that the code was from one earlier published by the arts group Five Arts Centre for the performing arts community.
"In light of recent offensive remarks which demonstrated insensitivity and disrespect, we pledge our commitment to respect the rights of every person in the industry.
"By pledging support for the code, we intend to promote a specific set of actions and behaviour for professionals to ensure integrity, respect and civil behaviour."
A total of 50 individuals and 29 companies pledged their support for the code.
The companies include Pesona Pictures, Petra Media, Red Communications, KL Motion Pictures, and Kuman Pictures.
The individuals include Bront Palarae, Datin Sofia Jane, Jehan Miskin, Namron, Chelsia Ng, Vanidah Imran, Datin Lisa Surihani, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, Iedil Dzuhrie, Sharifah Amani, Pekin Ibrahim, Nadiya Nisaa, Tam Suhaimi, Datin Paduka Suhaimi Baba, Daiyan Trisha, Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim and Liew Seng Tat.
"We aim to ensure that all receive equal treatment irrespective of gender, marital status, race, religion, pregnancy and disability.
"We are committed to ensuring the highest ethical standards while working and maintaining an environment free from victimisation," added the statement.
"It is time that every Malaysian can do better in terms of how we view and treat women."
PPFIM vice president Jehan said: "The code will not solve problems immediately, but it is an important step in the right direction."
"We should always respect our co-workers and not make them feel uncomfortable at the workplace," said Namron.
Lisa believed all in the industry have the right to work in a safe, secure and ethical environment.
Bront said that this would be a good start to creating a saner work environment.
"I hope Finas (National Film Development Corporation) and other associations give their support."
A recent video clip on social media showed Fauzi talking about his experience filming a rape scene with actress Raja Farah for the film Anak Halal in 2007.
The actor who was interviewed on Astro Warna talk show Rumah No. 107 by Khir Rahman and Shuk Sahar allegedly made a joke about the incident which sparked outrage on social media.
He explained that the scene was cut from the film upon the request of Raja Farah's parents, and issued an open apology to his co-star.
Khir, Shuk and Astro Warna also have apologised for the unfortunate incident.