The government is providing RM1 million for a 13-episode dramatised version of the novel ‘Interlok’ that is expected to be aired by RTM , claims the National Indian Rights Action Team (Niat).

NONE This is despite the Education Ministry's decision to withdraw the contentious novel as a Malay literature textbook in December 2011, Niat chairperson Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim (right ) said.

"We thought the issue was over, but RTM is to broadcast a (Malay) drama series using the storyline from this book. What's the agenda behind this?" Thasleem asked at a press conference today.

Niat confirmed this information with the production manager who willbe shooting the drama series, as well as two actors involved, he said.

Thasleem demanded the immediate cancellation of shooting, which will begin by July. Failing this, Niat will carry out a series of actions to disrupt shooting.

NONE He said an Umno source had told him that ‘Tanda Putera’ and the dramatised ‘Interlok’ are intended to "punish" Chinese and Indians who had voted against BN in the 13th general election, as well as to teach them a lesson.

"Niat strongly objects to (the drama) and invites civil society groups and NGOs to come forward and say ‘enough is enough, stop this racial divide’," he said.

"On one hand, the prime minister talks about 1Malaysia, (national) reconciliation and being inclusive. On the other hand, we have this movie (and drama) being produced and (attribution to the) ‘Chinese tsunami’.

“So what's the agenda? Is he condoning these? We want an answer. Is Umno planning another May 13? If they are, I think they will not succeed this time around.

"Malaysians at large demand that this be stopped immediately. We want an official statement from the prime minister, failing which a nationwide protest will be initiated.”

Protest planned at Parliament

Thasleem said Niat, together with a new NGO - Malaysian Action Group for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) - will hold a protest on June 24, when the new session of Parliament convenes.

Protesters will express their objections to the ‘Interlok’ drama and public screening of ‘Tanda Putera’, as well as demand that the IPCMC be set up.

"We would like to seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (over the) ‘Interlok’ drama," Thasleem said, adding that another option may be a legal action.

NONE Niat secretary-general D Arun reiterated that ‘Interlok’ stereotypes the main ethnic groups in Malaysia by describing an Indian character in it as a ‘pariah’, and a Chinese character as willing to sell his daughter for money.

Even if the drama script uses an amended version, Arun said, the stereotyping would continue.

When contacted, a production crew member for the 'Interlok' drama series confirmed that RTM has commissioned the drama.

The source said it would only tell stories of the early stages of each ethnic group and their lives in Malaya, without touching on matters that are racially sensitive, as such content is banned from being broadcast.

"We will be using an amended script. We will not mention the word 'pariah' or the selling of Chin Huat’s daughter," added the man who declined to be identified.

Objections to ‘Interlok’ raged in various quarters when the government introduced it as a Malay literature textbook for Form Five in 2011.

After close to a year of vocal protests, the government replaced the textbook with 'Konserto Terakhir'.