KUALA LUMPUR – The director and producer of the banned independent film Mentega Terbang have filed an application to challenge a court’s gag order against them in their ongoing criminal case.
Their counsel, Zaid Malek, who confirmed this, said the application by Mohd Khairi Anwar Jailani and Tan Meng Kheng is based on the assertion that the issued gag order violates the duo’s freedom of expression.
Zaid also confirmed that the application was filed at the high court on Wednesday, and the mention of the application is scheduled for January 24 with Khairi Anwar.
It was reported that the gag orders were issued by magistrates Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim and Aina Azahra Ariffin to Khairi Anwar and Tan, respectively.
It was issued as an additional condition to their bail that was tied to their court charges after they pleaded not guilty to an offence of deliberately verbally and visually wounding religious sentiments as the movies’ director and scriptwriter.
The duo was charged in separate magistrate courts for similar offences yesterday.
Last March, the film received criticism and public outrage due to allegations that it included scenes containing elements contradicting religious beliefs.
Teen actress Syumaila Salihin was later summoned by the police for questioning regarding her portrayal of a 15-year-old character in the film.
Police initiated an investigation in response to filed complaints against the film, alleging that it included scenes deemed offensive to Muslims.
These scenes reportedly involved discussions about Muslims consuming pork and comparisons between the teachings on life after death according to various religions.
The police also investigated death threats against several individuals involved with the film, including Khairi, whose car was splashed with red and black paint, and the perpetrators left handwritten threats on slips of paper.
The Home Ministry then banned the film’s screening in September last year.
However, both Khairi and Tan have since challenged the decision in court. – January 19, 2024