A special screening of the controversial local production The Last Communist (Lelaki Komunis Terakhir) for all members of Parliament is slated for this Sunday.

A few parliamentarians informed malaysiakini that they have received an invitation on the special screening from Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim today.

The film will be screened at the National Film Development Corporation's (Finas) P Ramlee mini cinema along Jalan Hulu Klang on Sunday afternoon, according to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

A ministry official when contacted said the invitation was also extended to all senators as well as the media. He added that the mini cinema is able to accommodate about 100 people.

Rais has promised to host a special screening for the MPs last Thursday in the Dewan Rakyat after Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang criticised the ban by the Home Ministry on the film.

Lim requested the minister to organise a special screening for the MPs and cabinet ministers so that they could draw their own conclusion on whether the ban was justified. Rais agreed.

The minister also gave a personal undertaking in the House that he would request for a review of the ban imposed on The Last Communist , on the ground of safeguarding public interest.

In an immediate response, Lim welcomed the efficiency of Rais's ministry and commended it for 'acting on promises and setting good examples' to other ministers.

Stinging reports blamed

The Last Communist , directed by Amir Muhammad, is said to chronicle the life of Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng, who is now living in exile in Thailand.

Rais told the Parliament last Thursday that the police had objected to the screening of the film although the Censorship Board had given the film a 'U' rating, making it suitable for all ages.

His statement contradicted Amir's claim that the Special Branch officers who viewed a special screening on May 2 had okayed it.

Amir had blamed the ban on a series of stinging reports in Malay daily Berita Harian , including one accusing him of highlighting exploits of communists and ignore the national heroes' struggle.

However, Amir had explained that the 90-minute semi-musical documentary did not feature actual interviews with Chin Peng or even show his photos.

He said the film was only based on interviews with people who live in various towns previously known for communist activity.

The film was scheduled for screening on May 18 in Kuala Lumpur before it was banned.