Cops take statement from ‘Mentega Terbang’ director, actor

The independent film touches on the differences and similarities of the major religions in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have recorded statements from the director and one of the actors involved in the controversial movie “Mentega Terbang”.

Khairi Anwar Jailani and actor Arjun Thanaraju were summoned to the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters this morning.

“We gave our fullest cooperation and answered all the questions the police asked,” Khairi said after the statements were recorded.

He also said filmmakers should be given the freedom to express their creativity.

“Our job as filmmakers is to highlight current issues, and our freedom of expression should not be controlled,” he said.

Lawyer Zaid Malek, who is representing Khairi and Arjun, said the case is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements that lead to public alarm and distress, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

“Mentega Terbang”, which touches on the differences and similarities of the major religions in Malaysia, has drawn criticism from the public as well as artistes. The movie has been available online since 2021.

Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Islamic development department (Jakim) had reviewed the film’s content and found that it went against the Islamic creed.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the Viu platform had pulled down the controversial movie on Feb 27.

The commission said it was committed to working with Jakim to monitor any content that contradicted the teachings of Islam.