Mentega Terbang Director Issues Letter Of Demand For Apology From Zabidi
Director Khairi Anwar wants Zabidi Mohamed to remove his Facebook posts and to issue a public apology for his defamatory statements.
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A local film titled Mentega Terbang has been mired in controversy recently and has been criticised for promoting pluralism.
Author and scriptwriter Zabidi Mohamed claimed on Facebook that the film was blatantly blasphemous.
In the film, the character Aisyah explores life after death in different religions as a way to deal with her mother’s impending passing.
READ MORE: Mentega Terbang – A Eye-Opening Contemplation About What’s Life After Death [Review]
Director Khairi Anwar released a statement to deny Zabidi Mohamed’s allegations that the contents of Mentega Terbang are blasphemous on separate Facebook posts dated 25 February, 2 March, and 3 March.
Khairi also denied that the film intended to create a culture of apostasy among Muslims in the country, as claimed by Zabidi.
He has also instructed lawyers to demand Zabidi remove his posts online and to issue a public apology for defamatory statements made against the team and Khairi.
Zabidi is given 48 hours to respond to the letter of demand, failing which they will initiate legal proceedings.
In a Facebook post, Zabidi confirmed receiving the letter of demand and said he would address the matter in court.
In order to uphold the faith of Muslims in Malaysia, I will fight (them in court). If there are any Muslim lawyers who want to join me in preserving the sanctity of Islam, you may contact me.
Zabidi Mohamed
Mentega Terbang was released on the streaming platform Viu on 19 January 2023 but it was removed on 27 February after criticisms regarding its content arose.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it has no authority to censor movies and TV dramas because it doesn’t fall under their jurisdiction under Section 3(3) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
However, MCMC will continue working with Jakim to monitor any content that contradicts Islamic teachings.
Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Islamic development department (Jakim) would meet the film’s production team.
Jakim reviewed the film’s content and found that it went against the teachings of the Syafie school of thought that’s adopted by Malaysian Muslims.
READ MORE: Mentega Terbang No Longer On Viu, Minister Asks Jawi To Meet Production Team
READ MORE: Political Party Sets Sight On Local Film Mentega Terbang, Wants It Banned
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