KUALA LUMPUR: Any films that portray content promoting LGBTQ lifestyles will not be approved for screening in Malaysia, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the same applies to films containing elements of communism, islamophobia, deviant teachings and those that contradict the Islamic faith.
"I would like to say that the Malaysian government has never ratified any international conventions related to LGBTQ issues, nor does it recognise any LGBTQ lifestyles.
"So films promoting such content and lifestyles will not be approved for screening in Malaysia after being screened,” he said in a briefing on empowering the Film Censorship Board at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (March 21).
Saifuddin Nasution noted that the censorship board faces challenges in meeting the interests and balancing the demands of film and broadcasting practitioners, the general public as viewers and government agencies.
"The key to the current leadership's success is extensive engagement with all stakeholders in the film industry.
"Furthermore, now there is a greater openness," he said, referring to the audience that participated in the filmmaking process and sat with the censorship board.
He noted that when scenes or aspects need to be modified without compromising the storyline of a film, that is what is done.
"It is not a unilateral decision, but rather the involvement of those who produce it.
"Even after a decision is made, whether it's classification or the decision to screen or not, there is still a further avenue, which is the appeals board consisting of representatives from the public and various experts," he said.
He added that when it involves matters of law and religious views, the relevant institutions will be consulted for their perspective.
To answer whether online streaming platforms should be screened, Saifuddin said the general public should understand the separation between broadcasting and over-the-top services.
He also said that streaming services fall under the jurisdiction of the Communication Ministry.
