NOTE: Contrary to the earlier version, the English name of the film is 'Village People Radio Show' not 'Village People Road Show'.

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) strongly condemns the Malaysian Film Censorship Unit's decision to ban the locally made documentary 'Apa Khabar Orang Kampung' (Village People Radio Show) documenting the lives of the Malay Muslim former Communist Party Malaya members.

In a letter sent to director Amir Muhammad, the unit gave seven reasons for banning the film, including that it shows that the Malaysian Government's interpretation of history is biased and that the Government has not treated the former Communists fairly. The film was also accused of distorting historical facts by allowing former Communists to draw parallels between themselves and earlier Malay heroes.

The reasons given by the censorship board blatantly transgress the Article 10 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution's guarantee of free speech. The right to criticise Government policy and behaviour is a vital aspect of any democracy. Resorting to banning the documentary, rather than engaging in the concerns raised there by the former Communists, indicates insecurity and makes it increasingly difficult for Malaysians to assess and relate to this period of history.

CIJ suggests that lifting the ban on 'Apa Khabar Orang Kampung' and its prequel 'Lelaki Komunis Terakhir' would also indicate the Government's commitment to an open and transparent society is more than just rhetoric.

CIJ is also concerned that banning locally made films encourages a culture of self-censorship among local film-makers, which is opposed to Malaysia's policy of establishing itself as a “global centre and hub for communications and multimedia information and content services” and goes against the stated aims of both Vision 2020 and Islam Hadhari.

We urge the Internal Security Ministry to encourage local film production, regardless of politics, and to repeal the Film Censorship Act as inconsistent with aims of Government policy and a globalised, IT-savvy society.

Issued by:

Sonia Randhawa
Executive Director

Background:

'Apa Khabar Orang Kampung' is the sequel to 'Lelaki Komunis Terakhir' ('The Last Communist'), which was banned in 2006 following outcry in the mass media by people who had not watched the movie. It had been passed by both the Film Censorship Unit and a unique screening for Special Branch officers of the Royal Malaysian Police Force.