Rights group compares praise for Yeoh's Oscar to probes against local film-makers

Rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) today questioned the praise given by government leaders to actress Michelle Yeoh for her historic Oscar win for her movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once", contrasting it with recent investigations against local film-makers over the content of their shows. 

LFL director Zaid Malek said it was "hypocritical, insincere and contradictory" for the government to praise Yeoh's achievement when, in Malaysia, the LGBT themes in "Everything Everywhere" would have led to a criminal investigation. 

"Michelle Yeoh herself would likely have been hauled up for police questioning as is now being done to the 'Mentega Terbang' actors," he added, referring to the independent film which came under investigation over allegations of "religious provocation". 

He also cited "Pulau", the trailer for which received a warning from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia for containing scenes of a sexual nature.

"Local film-makers and producers have long been shackled by the excessive censorship that previous governments have imposed on them, and the supposedly reformist government led by Pakatan Harapan have shown that they are no different," he said.

"Art, in any shape or form, is protected under the freedom of expression under Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution. As such, it is the duty of the government to protect such artistic expression and not give way to certain groups who want to dictate what can or cannot be produced."

In a statement, he said Yeoh's Oscar win should function as "a glaring example of the vast creative force that exists within Malaysia, if only they are given the chance to do the same here without harassment".
 
"If the government truly wants to take credit for any accolades obtained by Malaysian artists, then it should protect the products of creative freedom within our own country by upholding it as part of a right safeguarded by Article 10(1)(a) of our constitution."