MIRI: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) yesterday expressed regret over screening of the Malay movie ‘Tanda Putera’ as the nation is celebrating its 56th Independence Day followed by Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) Women central information chief Aiman Athirah Al Jundi, speaking at a Hari Raya gathering held in a restaurant at Permyjaya here, said the screening is uncalled for and not appropriate as the whole nation is celebrating a historical day.
The movie, directed by Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba, costs RM4.8 million to produce, and was a joint effort by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and the Multimedia Development Corporation.
‘Tanda Putera’ (‘Mark of a Prince’) is a story of Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein (the father of current Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak) and Tun Razak’s good friend, the then Home Affairs Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman.
“There are disturbing elements in the movie which may cause racial tension in a multi-racial and multi-religious society like ours,” said Aiman, adding that there are slanderous scenes that could provoke racial hatred.
Before the release of the film, ‘Tanda Putera’ sparked controversy about the accuracy of its contents after the release of the trailer in relation to May 13 riots. Opposition lawmakers alleged that the film portrayed the Chinese and the Democratic Action Party in a negative light.
“It is not a historical film as claimed and has distorted historical facts. It is a work of fiction. It should not be shown because of the sensitive nature of the film,” Aiman said.
Among the controversies is a scene which depicts a man peeing on the Malaysian flag.
“We must treasure and preserve the unity and better understanding among the people. Unity is the priority for Pakatan Rakyat. Therefore it is important to touch on sensitive issues such as racial and religious issues,” Aiman added.
Reminding that although the nation has gained independence for the past 56 years from colonial rule, Aiman warned them of a “new style of colonialism”, where the masses are not aware that they are being (re-) colonised socially, economically and mentally.
“Therefore, it is important for the people from every racial and religious background to free ourselves and gain independence from the ‘new colonialism’,” she said, reassuring that leaders of Pakatan Rakyat are closer to the people with care and love.
In this context, Aiman called on party members, supporters and public attending Saturday’s gathering to foster better understanding and unity to enhance peace and harmony for development and progress of the country.
Also invited to the gathering were a group of 50 children from Hamidah Orphanage Complex (Peryatim). The orphans and other children at the gathering received ‘duit raya’ from the party.
Also present were Miri MP Dr Michael Teo, Piasau and Pujut assemblymen Alan Ling Sie Kiong and Fung Pau Teck respectively, PAS Sarawak Youth chief M. Arifirazul Paijo and PAS Miri chief Jofri Jaraiee.