In upholding freedom of expression and strongly condemning racial hatred, the Penang state government reiterates that no action will be taken against anyone who ignores our advisory that “Tanda Putera” is full of lies, demonises minority groups and the thousands of innocent Malaysians killed during the 1969 May 13 riots. As a matter of historical record, the Penang state government has a moral duty to adopt a clear and unambiguous stand to oppose any attempt to rewrite history that is grossly inconsistent with actual events and facts.
In contrast, those aligned to the BN Federal government has taken an opposite approach by threatening to close down cinema operators and other forms of legal action if Tanda Putera is not screened. The police have even been used to remove artworks in Kuala Lumpur. This is the difference between Kuala Lumpur and Penang where even those in Penang that differ with the Penang state government can still display their presentations undisturbed. It is for this reason that Penang is slowly becoming the art capital of Malaysia because artists enjoy freedom of expression.
However freedom of expression does not gives one the freedom to lie. The Penang state government has taken this step to issue an advisory on Tanda Putera because the film has crossed a red line in using public funds to propagate lies that promotes hatred instead of harmony between the various races in Malaysia.
Following threats from the Federal government, we have been informed that all cinema operators will be screening the movie soon in Penang. The Penang state government gives assurances that no action will be taken when this is done, but it is hoped that all parties, including both cinema goers and movie operators can see through the lies and racist hatred embedded in the film.
The sponsorship of the film’s production cost of RM4.8 million by the Federal government can only be seen as a full official endorsement, including fictitious scenes which the director admits are untrue but is explained as “creative license”. Creative license does not give anyone the license to spread lies that may cause racial disharmony and conflicts. Clearly BN is stooping low to brainwash Malaysians into accepting lies and rejecting the truth.
This raises questions whether by promoting racial hatred against minorities and blaming minorities as the source of all problems is part of the justification and excuse for abuses of power and corruption. BN may yet succeed in brainwashing future generations. Therein lies our responsibility to hold on firmly to the truth and that there were still Malaysians who stood up against the demonization of minority groups in Malaysia.