PETALING JAYA – The government has yet to make any decision regarding the request made by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to instruct the streaming service Netflix to remove and prohibit the screening of the documentary “Man On The Run”.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this matter is pending due to the ongoing trial involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
He also said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will be looking at the legal aspects of the request.
The documentary featuring Najib, among others, was released in Malaysian cinemas last October 19, and subsequently, on Netflix on January 5 this year.
“There are certain aspects to consider, particularly legal ones, that require thorough review.
“There are some initial views of the matter that were presented that I believe need consideration, but it is important to ensure they are in line with the law,” he said during a press conference at the launch of a ceramic art exhibition at ZHAN Art Space, here today.
The documentary currently holds second place in the streaming platform’s top-10 movies list.
Yesterday, lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said his client, Najib, had sent a letter to Fahmi requesting the ministry to direct Netflix to take down the 98-minute documentary from the streaming platform.
Shafee cited that the airing of the documentary was in contempt of court and sub judicial as the 1MDB criminal case was being heard before high court judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the relevant authorities would decide whether the documentary would be taken down.
“It’s just a documentary… let them (the authorities) consider it and do their job,” he told reporters after conducting Friday prayers yesterday. – January 13, 2024