'Mentega Terbang’ director, producer charged with ‘hurting religious feelings of others’
Published on: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
By:
FMT, Faisal Asyraf
Khairi Anwar Jailani is accused of ‘intentionally hurting the religious feelings of others’ in his role as director and script writer for ‘Mentega Terbang’.
Kuala Lumpur: The director and producer of local indie film “Mentega Terbang”, which was banned by the authorities, were charged in the magistrates’ court here today with “intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others”.
Director Khairi Anwar Jailani claimed trial when the charge was read to him before magistrate Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim.
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According to the charge sheet, Khairi was accused of “intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others” in his role as director and script writer for the movie.
The offence was said to have been committed at 12.34pm on Feb 26, 2023, at Diamond Regency, Jalan Semarak Api 2, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
The charge was framed under Section 298 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Lawyers N Surendran and Zaid Malek represented Khairi while deputy public prosecutor Nor Azizah Aling prosecuted.
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Khairi was allowed bail of RM6,000 with one surety. The court also slapped him with a gag order to stop him from issuing comments related to the case throughout the trial.
Case mention has been set for March 14.
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Producer Tan Meng Kheng was charged in a separate courtroom with the same offence, claiming trial before magistrate Aina Azahra Arifin.
Tan, also represented by Surendran, was allowed bail of RM6,500 with one surety and slapped with a gag order as well.
“Mentega Terbang” is an independent movie about the religious conflict faced by Muslim teenager Aisyah, who explores other religions, especially for answers to the question of life after death.
Previously screened via online streaming platforms, it was criticised over some scenes which were said to go against Islamic teachings and beliefs.
The home ministry banned the film on Sept 1, a move described by the duo as “irrational” and a violation of the freedom of speech guaranteed in the Federal Constitution.
Last month, Tan and Khairi filed an application with the High Court to commence a legal challenge against the government over its decision to ban the film.
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