KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia’s (Finas) internal restructuring is expected to create a fairer, more transparent local film industry, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the measure is part of the government’s commitment to curb unhealthy practices previously linked to a “cartel” in the film project application and approval process.
“Since stepping into the Communications Ministry and overseeing Finas, we have been working to dismantle not necessarily a cartel, but the long-standing attitudes and practices that have persisted, and this process is ongoing,” he told reporters after launching Malaysia, Jompact! programme at the Malay Language Teacher Education Institute here yesterday.
He added that he has yet to fully review the statement by Film Directors Association of Malaysia chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki, who claimed a “cartel” exists in the local film industry, but Fahmi stressed that addressing the issue remains a key priority for the ministry.
On Thursday, a news portal reported Afdlin’s claim that a “cartel” dictates the success of local films, including prime screening slots, promotion, and distribution.
Fahmi said among the early measures taken was having Finas overhaul the committee responsible for reviewing film industry applications several months ago, to ensure opportunities are distributed more fairly.
“In many organisations, when certain individuals or officers remain in positions for too long, unhelpful attitudes can develop that are not well received by the industry — not just in film, but across other sectors, too.
“That is why I requested several months ago that committees, such as those reviewing applications, be revamped. The cleansing process is underway,” Fahmi added.
