Director of ‘Mentega Terbang’ Files Legal Challenge Against Govt Over Banning of Film

Local indie film “Mentega Terbang” received a lot of backlash as it had allegedly challenged the teachings of Islam and touched on religious sensitivities. Malaysians had even lodged police reports and sent threats to the director and actor and had even been removed from streaming services.

The movie revolves around a schoolgirl researching what happens to people after they die in different religions and depicts controversial scenes such as one where she shares her interest in trying pork and another where her father tells her that he would be okay with her converting out of Islam should she find another religion that speaks to her on a personal level.

Recently, it was reported that the director and producer of the film have filed an application with the High Court to commence a legal challenge against the government over its decision to ban the film.

Director Khairi Anwar Jailani and producer Tan Meng Kheng claimed that the ban is “irrational” as it violates freedom of speech under the Federal Constitution.

They said their income had been affected by the ban as the movie cannot be screened or distributed anywhere in the country so they are seeking a court order to quash the ban and declare that the Film Censorship Act is unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed Jan 31 to hear their bid to commence the judicial review.

What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Mentega Terbang Director & Actor Receive Death Threats & Find Their Cars Vandalised