KUCHING: The Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) has been urged to file a complaint with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) against controversial rapper Namewee’s latest film ‘Babi’, to enable the agency to evaluate its content.
MCMC said in a statement on Sunday, the call was made following a police report made by Seniman against the film for allegedly having some elements of racism that could tarnish Malaysia’s image.
“The process of evaluating the content can be made based on provisions under the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998,” the commission said.
MCMC assured that it would take appropriate action if investigations reveal the film contains elements that violate any provision stipulated under existing laws.
The Malaysian Chinese film ‘Babi’, has raised more than a few eyebrows, despite not being released locally.
The title — Babi, which means pig, is commonly used by Malaysia as a derogatory term to insult someone.
The film has earned four nominations at various international film festivals including at the Open World Toronto Film Festival for Best Director and Best Actor and at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival 2020 for Best Original Film Song. It has been courting controversy in Malaysia for its allegedly provoking nature.
On Nov 19, MCMC had requested YouTube to block the film trailer from being released, however, it is still awaiting feedback from the company.
