The government will endorse a new film censorship guideline which will take into account the inputs of industry players, academicians, youths and experienced administrators beginning next year.

Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam told reporters after the appointment of the Film Censorship Board's members today that he hoped this guideline would pave the way for self-censorship and a self-regulatory practice within the industry.

"Artistes, script writers, directors and everyone involved in the film industry will be invited to assist in the censorship of our films besides the academicians and experienced groups who had been selected previously.

"We want to ensure that before the film is made, its script would be read first by members of the Film Censorship Board and if necessary, we will invite the script writer or film owner to discuss the script," he said.

Currently, the Film Censorship Board watched a completed film before censoring it which could lead to losses on the film makers' part as some of the messages might not go through, he said.

He added that the board would consist of 65 members and today's appointment was merely the first of many.

- Bernama