The government will not compromise with drama and film producers whose works are found to touch on religious or racial sensitivities, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government spokesperson, stressed that creative freedom must come with responsibility, particularly when content involves religious values, social harmony, as well as racial and cultural sensitivities.
He said he had been briefed by the chief executive officer of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) about the drama Madu atau Racun, which is currently available on streaming platform iQIYI and has sparked concern and controversy among members of the public.
“I have been informed by the FINAS CEO regarding the airing of the drama ‘Madu atau Racun’ on the iQIYI streaming platform, which has caused concern and controversy among the public,” he said during the Unity Government’s weekly press conference on Wednesday.
Fahmi said the Communications Ministry had instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF), under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to meet with the production team and iQIYI.
FINAS will also be involved in the meeting, which is intended to obtain a comprehensive explanation regarding the drama’s content. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will take part in the discussion as well.
Fahmi explained that FINAS has regulatory authority over filmmaking and cinema activities, while MCMC oversees areas related to television broadcasting and communications.
“Currently, over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms are not yet fully subject to the same licensing framework as conventional broadcasting,” he said.
However, Fahmi reiterated that creative freedom cannot be separated from the responsibility to respect religious values, social harmony and the racial and cultural sensitivities that underpin national unity.
He said the government would not hesitate to take appropriate action if an assessment and investigation found that the production had breached any existing guidelines, regulations or requirements.
The relevant authorities are expected to examine the matter further during a meeting with the production team and iQIYI. Fahmi said FINAS would issue a further statement on behalf of the parties involved after the discussions and meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
The drama Madu atau Racun has drawn public attention over allegations that some of its content touches on religious sensitivities and local cultural norms.
Among the issues raised were the portrayal of the character Nikita, who is depicted as having a same-sex attraction, as well as elements involving relationships and the institution of the family.
The controversy has prompted various parties to call on the government to review the drama’s content and determine whether any action is necessary.
