Malaysian court rules ‘wounding religious feelings’ is a crime
Ruling on controversial film ‘Mentega Terbang’ widens the potential for legal liability in a country beset by issues of race, religion and royalty
A Malaysian high court has found that “wounding the religious feelings” of others is a valid criminal offence in a landmark ruling linked to the controversial film Mentega Terbang, which touches on religious sensitivities.
The verdict on Thursday, which came after the filmmakers challenged the law, widens the potential for legal liability in a country beset by issues of race, religion and royalty – known as “3Rs” – which are hypersensitive subjects.
The film, released in 2021 but banned two years later, follows a 15-year-old as she questions ideas of rebirth in different religions.
Director Khairi Anwar and producer Tan Meng Kheng said they would appeal against the decision.
Their lawyer N Surendran had previously argued the “antiquated … pre-independence legislation” – Section 298 of the Penal Code introduced by the British – should not be wielded against filmmakers.
Thursday’s court decision follows a slew of similar controversies pulling in media and culture into “3R” controversies, which many Malaysians fear are now changing discourse and risk eroding free speech.