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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has urged Seniman, an association of local artists, to file an official complaint against Namewee’s new film entitled ‘Babi’. Seniman recently filed a police report against the film at the Taman Melawati Police Station and they want MCMC to block the film on social media, including YouTube.
According to the official statement, the MCMC said that a detailed evaluation of the content can be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. The content can also be evaluated by other enforcement agencies in accordance with the respective laws related to content and broadcasting.
The MCMC said that if it finds violations with the content, it will take the necessary measures based on the crimes committed and in accordance with the law. The commission also said it contacted YouTube about the ‘Babi’ trailer on November 19, 2020, but has yet to receive a response from the YouTube team based outside of Malaysia.
Seniman’s general secretary, Mohd Hafiz Mohd Nafiah, was reported to have considered the film that was shown abroad to contain elements of racism, despite claims that it was based on a true story. He also said that Seniman welcomes any party that wants to produce films, but they must follow the guidelines stipulated by the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) and the Film Censorship Board.
Mohd Hafiz stressed that they do not prohibit anywhere from making critical films, but everyone should understand that Malaysia is a multiracial country.
It was reported that ‘Babi’, directed by Wee Meng Chee, also known as Namewee, received nominations at four international film festivals. According to the director, this includes the Berlin International Film Festival, the Bangkok International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Golden Horse Award. He added that the movie is based on a real-life event that took place in 2000.
