Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a more open approach to film censorship in Malaysia to allow creative freedom while preserving national values.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian film industry cannot thrive under excessive censorship and restrictions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, calling for a more open approach that gives filmmakers greater creative space while preserving the country’s cultural and moral values.
Anwar said the Government must strike a balance between protecting Malaysia’s identity and allowing the creative industry to evolve, warning that excessive restrictions could stifle the sector’s development.
“How can creativity flourish if there are too many constraints, restrictions and conditions?” he said when officiating the opening of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) new headquarters today.
He said Malaysia should not allow conservatism to become an obstacle to the development of its film industry, particularly as young Malaysians were increasingly exposed to global content and new forms of storytelling.
“I have stressed in the Cabinet, after discussing this with Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, the Home Minister and the relevant ministers, that our approach should also be more lenient and more open.
“Not so open that we abandon our culture, morals and values, but not so restrictive either,” he said.
Anwar said excessive controls could make it difficult for Malaysian films to become more competitive and attractive, adding that filmmakers should not have to constantly worry about whether individual scenes or dialogue would be approved.
“Imagine wanting to develop the film industry into something more competitive and attractive, but there are too many restrictions and constraints. It cannot develop,” he said.
He cited the past censorship of internationally acclaimed films, including Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, as an example of how rigid interpretations could prevent audiences from accessing important works.
Anwar said the film, which depicts the Holocaust, had faced objections over several scenes despite its wider historical and artistic significance.
He also recalled how several Malay films had faced similar restrictions, arguing that Malaysia’s approach should evolve with the times.
However, Anwar stressed that greater openness did not mean blindly adopting Western values.
“We do not have to follow the Western mould. But the Eastern mould does not necessarily mean a neo-conservative approach.
“The Eastern approach must retain its strength, culture, values and morality, but it must be more open,” he said.
He said such openness was necessary if Malaysia wanted to build a film industry capable of competing regionally and internationally while giving local filmmakers greater freedom to explore ideas critically and creatively.
Anwar said the Government would provide greater space for dialogue between policymakers and industry players so filmmakers would not feel unnecessarily constrained.
He said strengthening the film industry was also part of a broader effort to elevate Malaysia’s cultural economy, alongside technology and other emerging sectors.
“We want Malaysia to be elevated not only because of the strength of its economy, but also through a strengthened cultural economy,” he said, adding that Government allocations for film, theatre, literature and the arts would continue to be strengthened.
Anwar said Malaysia had a strong cinematic heritage, producing filmmakers such as the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, whose work transcended entertainment to challenge social prejudice and narrow communal thinking.
“We must not only increase its success, but propel this field to a much higher level, because it also reflects the attitude and culture of a country,” he said.
