Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) has decided not to screen the controversial movie Tanda Putera in its cinemas in Queensbay Mall and Sunway Carnival in Penang.

tanda putera premiere 200813 reception 02 In a press statement today, the cinema giant’s management said the decision was made in compliance with the Penang government’s directive issued yesterday.

The management said they had received the letter issued by the Penang Municipal Council dated yesterday asking it not to screen the movie.

"GSC would be conducting a refund exercise for customers who have purchased tickets for Tanda Putera from 5pm onwards today," said the statement.

"Customers are to provide proof of purchase, that is, GSC Box office ticket, GSC e-Payment Confirmation ID, GSC SelfPrint tickets or GSC Mobile App (iPhone / Android) confirmation number at the box office counter of the relevant cinemas to claim the refunds," the management added.

Yesterday, state executive councillor on local government Chow Kon Yeow said his department issued licences to cinema operators and would be issuing letters to request them not to screen the movie.

Chow cited sensitivities in the movie and threats to the harmonious relationship between communities as reasons for the state's decision.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the request was merely an advisory and not a ban, saying no action would be taken on those who did not comply with the state government's request.

When contacted, both TGV and Lotus Cinemas had yet to make a decision on the matter.

PKR Youth leader: CM's concerns valid

Meanwhile, state PKR Youth vice-chief Dr Afif Bahardin said that while he supported freedom of speech, the concerns raised by Lim were valid and should be addressed.

Afif said the film should be shown to all historians, academics, cultural activists and politicians first.

"An intellectual discourse over it should be carried out to discuss about the merits and demerits of the movie, which is supposed to be based on historical facts surrounding the May 13 racial riots," he told Malaysiakini.

"It is supposed to be a fiction but we should discuss how it has portrayed May 13. That event is very much part of our history, we cannot deny it. We should discuss it to come to an understanding instead of pointing fingers and blaming each other," he added.

The Penang state exco member said the Malaysian film industry was small and banning movies would not help it improve.

           

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