Posted by RandySavage > 2020-07-23 12:31 | Report Abuse

News outlet Al Jazeera did not have the necessary licence to film or air its documentary on the alleged mistreatment of migrants in Malaysia, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said today.


In a brief statement today, Finas said it had carried out an investigation on Al Jazeera International (M) Sdn Bhd regarding the production of the documentary titled Locked Up In Malaysia’s Lockdown, which Finas said was aired over social media.

“From the findings of preliminary investigations, Finas found that that company does not have a Film Production Licence and that there was no application for a Certificate for Filming for the filming of that documentary,” Finas said in the statement posted on its official Facebook page.

Posted by RandySavage > 2020-07-23 12:31 | Report Abuse

“Finas will give its full cooperation to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in carrying out investigations against Al Jazeera (M) Sdn Bhd under Section 22(1) of the Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia Act 1981 (Amendment 2013) for carrying out filming activities, that is the activity of producing a documentary film without a valid licence from Finas,” it concluded.


Malay Mail’s check of the Act shows Section 22(1) as stating that no person shall engage in any activities of production, distribution or exhibition of films or any combination of these activities unless there is a licence authorising the person to carry out such activities.

Under Section 25 of the same Act, it is stated that any person who contravenes any provisions of the part of the law — which includes Section 22(1) — is guilty of an offence.

The same Section 25 provides for a punishment of a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of two years or both if a person is convicted of an offence under the Act, with a maximum daily fine of RM10,000 if the offence is a continuing offence.

Among other things, Finas’ functions under the Act include the development of the film industry, and the regulation and control of the production, distribution and exhibition of films in Malaysia and to issue licences for such purposes.

Yesterday, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah reportedly said his ministry will check if Al Jazeera had obtained a licence from Finas to produce the documentary before it started production, saying that a lack of licence would be considered an offence as permission from Finas is needed before films and documentaries can be produced in Malaysia.

National news agency Bernama had yesterday also reported Saifuddin as saying that his ministry will via the Information Department check if Al Jazeera had violated media accreditation conditions.

Saifuddin was reported saying that the Information Department will cancel Al Jazeera’s media accreditation if it was found to have violated such conditions, noting that the crew would not be free to go anywhere without the media cards issued by the department.

Posted by RandySavage > 2020-07-23 12:31 | Report Abuse

Earlier today, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) said it was alarmed over the Communications and Multimedia Ministry’s plan to review Al Jazeera’s accreditation and checks for a production licence over the documentary, describing this as the latest form of state retaliation against the Qatar-based broadcaster.

Among other things, CIJ had urged the government to drop all investigations into Al Jazeera, while also urging Saifuddin to support media independence and press freedom.

The CIJ said the government should provide a data-based rebuttal of the Al Jazeera documentary instead of merely branding it as allegedly misleading or inaccurate, pointing out that the government had instead initiated police investigations and questioned Al Jazeera staff over the documentary.

The CIJ reiterated its call for an internal investigation by the government over the potential issues in the treatment of undocumented migrants during the movement control order, also urging Saifuddin to proceed with the formation of the Malaysian Media Council “as a transparent and independent self-regulatory body for the industry and to avoid the government and its agencies from becoming the sole arbiter of truth”.

Posted by pathma > 2020-07-23 12:34 | Report Abuse

why the spam. arbb topic only lqaa

Posted by YolandaOng > 2020-07-23 12:37 | Report Abuse

Only the guilty fear the media

Posted by TipTopJoe > 2020-07-23 12:38 | Report Abuse

Closed society is exactly what some people wanted, easy to control and manipulate. These same people are now decision makers.

Posted by RandySavage > 2020-07-23 12:39 | Report Abuse

So can't even go "live" or upload my vacation videos on FB ? Aiya

Posted by ElvaLove > 2020-07-23 12:39 | Report Abuse

Wonderful.

Now we can show the world our power to use the law accordingly as and when it suits us.
Even though it may look dictatorial.

Posted by ElvaLove > 2020-07-23 12:39 | Report Abuse

hahaha

Posted by Questionaire > 2020-07-23 12:40 | Report Abuse

You must wear a helmet while you ride a motorcycle. The law is clear on this one. There is no ambiguity. But the enforcement officers turn a blind eye all the time. Then they get picky when things don't go their way?

Posted by ApplePlay > 2020-07-23 12:41 | Report Abuse

"Usually, we are not that strict," he added when asked if the law applied to ordinary citizens who might upload their videos.

But the law is there in the books and as long as it is there it can still be used/applied. Hope he can give a better answer. I have come to a point that trust is a double-edged sword and ambiguity can mean anything. It is all well and good until what goes around comes around but who cares. Just live for the moment.

Posted by DannyFangs > 2020-07-23 12:41 | Report Abuse

Every business, organisation and even country goes out of its way to attract good publicity. Indeed even pay for good PR and advertising.
Aljazeera was doing what it always does. If you did not like it you must know how to handle it.
Not this way. You will attract the attention and scorn of other news organisations.
Supposing CNN decides to run a story on our Minister for religious affairs telling the religious department to go on the attack on the LGBT.
They could start by stating that after 65 years the govt of the day decided to" appoint a sitting mosque imam as a cabinet minister". See what he ordered!!!
They can produce this story remotely. They have the means of spreading it widely
Stop haressing Aljazeera. Throw away your antique laws. . Reply to Aljazeera like civilised people do elsewhere.

Posted by FongKimLun > 2020-07-23 12:42 | Report Abuse

Back to maharizan and BN rule everything against the government which is the truth cannot be shown ...
Back to to the 5th century

Posted by FongKimLun > 2020-07-23 12:42 | Report Abuse

waaaaaaaaaaa

Posted by ApplePlay > 2020-07-23 12:43 | Report Abuse

if the can choose when to apply the law and when bot to apply the law, how can they avoid the issue on 'selective prosecution'? arent that open up Pandora box on law is not fairly apply and certain ppl are view as immune to that law? arent everyone is equal in front of the Law?

Posted by SonGokuSSJ5 > 2020-07-23 12:44 | Report Abuse

If there is mala fide intention in a documentary than take them to court. Not apply Umno’s ketuanan law which will become a laughing stock of the world.

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 12:45 | Report Abuse

Have no fear

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 12:45 | Report Abuse

God is here

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 12:45 | Report Abuse

The government should proof Al jazeera wrong. From the look of it we are giving the impression that there is truth to the documentary.

We are barking at the wrong tree

Posted by ZackRaider > 2020-07-23 12:46 | Report Abuse

Read this stupid reply from Finas chairman, "Usually, we are not that strict," he added when asked if the law applied to ordinary citizens who might upload their videos. Ok you have the law but you admitted that you do not enforce it at times... actually most of the times. Tell me if he should be reprimanded for not upholding the law but only using the law on Al Jazeera. Everything is backdoor nowadays, sighhhh

Posted by HasimahSarah > 2020-07-23 12:47 | Report Abuse

ZackRaider, Admission that enforcement is selective and political? Just like the sodomy law?

Posted by HasimahSarah > 2020-07-23 12:47 | Report Abuse

haha

Posted by XiXiTan > 2020-07-23 12:48 | Report Abuse

If somebody wants to shoot a movie or documentary in Malaysia, he must first get a permit from FINAS. That is pretty clear and understandable as there are local sensitivities of race and religion to be considered. In fact if he wants to make any form of video recording, he must get a permit. That is equally clear. As clear as high-definition.

Let us fade to black and cut to Scene 2. Al Jazeera comes in and tells FINAS it wants to shoot a documentary on “Illegal Immigrants in Malaysia”. What will the chairman say, that is, when he has recovered from his shock? “Sure, brother, it’s Camera Lights Action all the way for you”?

Assuming that FINAS does give its approval, we will still have the next issue. Will FINAS demand final cut that over-rides director’s cut and that just like the authority to reject an application without offering any reason, they can also censor as their discretion dictates? I think we can guess what the response would be to any film where those in authority are not quite presented as vestal virgins.

Who knows, we might yet see The Return of Al Jazeera, with an application to shoot “Parliament and Parliamentarians”. Tissues recommended. Art is not always truth.

Posted by ChewOnThis > 2020-07-23 12:48 | Report Abuse

'local sensitivities' -> sorry but for me these are just an excuse for censorship and vague laws which give the state too much power. As we can see here.

Posted by VanGuardLim > 2020-07-23 12:49 | Report Abuse

"Art is not always truth"
Superb

Posted by BostonCrab > 2020-07-23 12:51 | Report Abuse

Hmmm... You are right. There are local sensitivities and local sensitivities. And then there is censorship and censorship.

XiXiTan,
Thou art most appreciated.

Posted by VanGuardLim > 2020-07-23 12:51 | Report Abuse

The whole story has changed. We are just deviating from the actual issue. This has by now attracted international attention and any action against the TV station is going to cost us even more problems. There does not seem to be a soft touch approach to the issue. Things have gone overboard now. Al Jazeera is sticking to its stand. The Australian reporters have been questioned and the Australian government is seeing into their well being.

Posted by ChewOnThis > 2020-07-23 12:52 | Report Abuse

"The guidelines mean whatever we want them to mean at any time".

Understand?

And do you grasp the full implications?

That we are always right, never wrong --

and there is nothing that you can say or do about it

that will make any difference.

Get it?

Worse than a rigged casino!

Posted by XiXiTan > 2020-07-23 12:53 | Report Abuse

Ridiculous application of the law! Massive State overreach on any form of media if the Government follows through with getting to Al Jazeera this way. Remember, this is a current affairs show, not a film or one off documentary. The word racist was used twice in the reporting. Al Jazeera asked the question/ “is Malaysia racist?”, much later on one of those interviewed stated the Govt was being racist. The 25 minutes did not focus on racism, it was a small part of a bigger story. The Government wants to pursue WW3 over this with Al Jazeera. The longer this goes on the more ridiculous Malaysia looks to the eyes of the rest of the World. This lot don’t appear to care.

Posted by ZackRaider > 2020-07-23 12:53 | Report Abuse

XiXiTan , Doesn't look ridiculous in the eyes of China. They view media oppression as normal in China. All media must toe the CCP line

Posted by XiXiTan > 2020-07-23 12:54 | Report Abuse

China does not represent the rest of the World, but i get your point.

Posted by ApplePlay > 2020-07-23 12:55 | Report Abuse

Poor Al Jazeera!

Posted by ApplePlay > 2020-07-23 12:56 | Report Abuse

ZackRaider , typical malay brain, only learn from the weak! And compare with the weakest!

Posted by ApplePlay > 2020-07-23 12:56 | Report Abuse

Backwards mindset!

Posted by ApplePlay > 2020-07-23 12:56 | Report Abuse

go back to stone age!

Posted by SonGokuSSJ5 > 2020-07-23 12:57 | Report Abuse

Boomers cannot handle social media, they don’t know what is insta story and TikTok. Social media to them means spreading fake news in Facebook and WhatsApp.

When they can’t take it anymore, they find ways to stop other people having fun in social media.

That’s boomers, which is why we need to retire all boomers next GE. We need policy makers who understand 21st century, who knows how to engage people; not boomers who recycled the same narrative and don’t have energy for any tangible reform.

Posted by HasimahSarah > 2020-07-23 12:58 | Report Abuse

Curious that Malaysians are using the American term "boomers" now. Was there a Malaysian baby boom following World War II? It refers to a steep rise in post-WWII births from 1946 to 1964. If that is also the case in Malaysia, I stand corrected.

Posted by SonGokuSSJ5 > 2020-07-23 12:58 | Report Abuse

Are you suggesting that no one born in malaysia after world war 2? You must be one of those that born during that period, that's why you are offended, boomer.

Posted by DannyFangs > 2020-07-23 12:59 | Report Abuse

Boomer is long term usage throughout western world.

Posted by SonGokuSSJ5 > 2020-07-23 12:59 | Report Abuse

English is Western language, why you write in English?

Posted by HasimahSarah > 2020-07-23 13:00 | Report Abuse

This boomer just can’t be bothered with ‘handling’ Social media. Am happy!

Posted by SonGokuSSJ5 > 2020-07-23 13:00 | Report Abuse

Go home and retire, boomer

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 13:01 | Report Abuse

The kerfuffle generated by the government's move, coming at the same time as the Top Glove affair, may make other foreign media organisations interested in the plight of migrant workers and refugees in Malaysia...which to my mind would be a very good thing. We might hope to see even more documentaries and investigative reporting on this issue. And hopefully an improvement in labour rights in Malaysia as a result, or at least greater awareness of the issue, which would be a first step towards improvement.

As the government clamps down on the media locally, Malaysians will be increasingly reliant on foreign media to reveal what is going on on the ground on this and other issues. My personal hope is that it won't be just Al Jazeera but also regional media (Indonesia, Philippines...) who will come in to give us a helping hand during this dark period for FoE we are entering.

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 13:01 | Report Abuse

God is here

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 13:01 | Report Abuse

Have no fear or favour

Posted by GOD IS HERE > 2020-07-23 13:01 | Report Abuse

God is Great!

Posted by Questionaire > 2020-07-23 13:01 | Report Abuse

Every where & every person are progressing BUT Malaysia is retarding, regressing & going back to the cave !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The law MUST progress / developed with time......... We cannot & must not be using historical law in this I.T. era......................

We will ONLY fade off & slow death................................

Bravo,Singapore will gain from our morons decision...................

Posted by ZackRaider > 2020-07-23 13:02 | Report Abuse

In terms of freedom of expression I believe Singapore is even more draconian than we are. Ask around to find out how HR defenders are treated there...

Posted by HasimahSarah > 2020-07-23 13:03 | Report Abuse

That is correct. Singapore since statehood has always been a nanny state. One major Hollywood movie was filmed there in 1978-79, Peter Bogdanovich's "Saint Jack." They had to submit a fake script to the government, and have camera crew pretend they were part of an authorized episode of "Hawaii Five-O" that was being shot in Singapore. This was all because "Saint Jack" hired real local prostitutes as part of the plot, and the narrative included gangster activity. This was nothing more than Chinese and Soviet-style censorship except that Bogdanovich's production wasn't hounded by minders.

Posted by HasimahSarah > 2020-07-23 13:03 | Report Abuse

haha