1. Since the past few weeks, there have been talks from both
sides of the political fence on the movie 'Tanda Putera'. It is a movie by the
renowned director, Suhaimi Baba. Large part of the film is about the friendship between Allahyarham Tun Razak (then
Prime Minister) and Allahyarham Tun Ismail (then Deputy Prime Minister) and how
they try to build the country after a major crisis.
2. Sadly, the DAP led Pakatan is up in arms trying to
influence people (especially the ethnic chinese) that this movie is just a
conspiracy for the Government to get votes.
3. In this article, I am not going to respond or talk about
the Pakatan DAP opposition of this film; instead, I will write about the
unfounded hysteria on this movie among the pro-Government people.
4. There are two opinions on this film:
The first opinion:
We accept the film
shows FACTS which can easily be corroborated by reading the MAGERAN official
reports*. However, we believe that it is not the right time to show this movie
because it may slight the feelings of a certain community. It will dampen the
spirit of Merdeka. It does not do any good for it to be showned during the
Merdeka month.
The second opinion:
The film is based on
FACTS. There is no need for delaying the film. Some communities might be
slighted but it is history! If a racist Chinapunk was allowed to produce a film
about our society without any delay, why would you want to delay a film by a well-mannered
and experienced producer? Is it worthwhile to ignore our nation history to
appease others who have decided to close their minds and hearts to you?
5. I can understand both opinions. Personally, I
am more inclined towards the latter rather than the former.
6. Look at Hollywood; they produced many films about the
treatment of African-American by White-Americans during the 60s. Some of these
films even won Oscar and some of them were even shown during the 4th
July (US Independence Day). Do these kinds of films anger some Americans
(especially those living in the Bible belt areas)? Yes. Do they delay these
films? No. They let the population decides whether to watch it or not.
7. The fact that African-American are still being treated in
racist manner in 2012 (although more subtle than in the 60s) is irrelevant. The
point is the producers dare to produce such films because it is part of their
history.
8. They hope that by producing such films it might subconsciously
influence the current generation not to repeat the mistake of their parents or
grandparents.
9. I know the FINAS management said that their decision is
not influenced by anyone but I doubt it. Therefore, I urge the politicians who
are pressuring FINAS to think carefully.
10. If we are afraid of the political consequences of this
film, there is none. The DAP led Pakatan and their supporters has already stamped
their “seal of disapproval”.
11. Are we afraid of seeing Malays running amok in KL
streets after watching this movie? I hardly doubt it. The May 13th
tragedy occurred due to economic disparity. Although the disparity still exist,
the Malays nowadays are much better than their parents and grandparents are in
the 1960s, thanks to the effort by the Government to raise the economic
livelihood of the Malays.
12. The insolent attitude of opposition supporters
brandishing their “penyapu” on top of a lorry along the KL streets was only the
precursor to the riot; it was not the core reason. That is why we came out with
the Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB). It’s the economy!
13. Last, I urge that this movie to be shown without any further
interferences (that means reinstating the 30 minutes scene that was cut –out)
or delay. There will always be haters; these people do not need to watch it,
simple! They just need to sit on their bum and continue blaming the government
for all the problems in the world. :-p
14. Maybe, we are waiting for the racist Chinapunk to
produce his “version of our nation history”, and then only we will show Tanda
Putera. I wonder, if this punk is to come out with his own film, will it be
banned or delayed? From experience, I highly doubt it. Last time, he even got
monetary help to produce his film by the same Government who he cursed with
@#$%.
* http://rayaputeh.wordpress.com/laporan-tragedi-13-mei/
