KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry alleged that the controversial indie film Mentega Terbang contains messages that promote apostasy and is a threat to public order.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, made this contention in his affidavit today (Friday) to reject the film director and producer's legal bid to challenge the government's ban on the movie last year.
He claimed that the film, which failed to obtain approval from the Film Censorship Board, promoted religious pluralism and liberalism, besides suggesting the idea that Muslims had the freedom to change their religion.
"I issued the prohibition order under Section 28 of the Film Censorship Act after determining that screening, exhibiting, distributing, possessing, disseminating or selling the film and its publicity materials in this country would be against public interest.
"The film has been found to clearly contradict the faith and principles of the Federal Constitution, as it promotes religious pluralism and liberalism, which can undermine a person's faith.
"The film also questions the existence of heaven after death and poisons the minds of Muslims, which can cause confusion, especially among the younger generation," Saifuddin said.
He further said that the film had the potential to cause unrest and anger in Muslims, as well as fears that its portrayal of pluralism and liberalism could undermine the faith of viewers, especially teenagers whose religious beliefs were still developing.
Saifuddin claimed that the Special Branch's analysis had found the film to be unsuitable for public viewing due to its promotion of liberalism and elements of blasphemy against Islamic teachings, including insulting, trivialising, belittling, mocking and ridiculing the religion.
He said former minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri had also stated numerous elements that belittled Islam and other religions in the film.
"The film presents problematic themes, especially concerning faith and religion, although it did convey a positive message of love and racial tolerance," he said
A total of 30 reports had been lodged against the film nationwide.
Film director Mohd Khairianwar Jailani, in reply, argued that the movie did not contravene public interest or the Federal Constitution.
"I believe that pluralism and liberalism, even if they are elements in this film, are not concepts that violate the law," he said.
On Jan 31, High Court judge Datuk Amarjeet Singh granted leave for Khairianwar and film producer Tan Meng Kheng to initiate a judicial review against the government's directive on Sept 1 last year.
The duo, in their application, claimed that the ban was irrational as it violated the freedom of speech as stipulated under the Federal Constitution.
They also claimed that their income had been affected as they could not screen or distribute the film in this country.
They are seeking a court order to set aside the ban and a declaration that the Film Censorship Act is unconstitutional.
On Jan 17 last year, Khairil and Tan were charged in the magistrate's court with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of others. They pleaded not guilty.
They were charged with the intention to hurt religious feelings by uttering words that people could hear and see in their roles as producer, director and scriptwriters of Mentega Terbang.