Benar industri filem lebih bebas, namun jangan sampai abai nilai, gesa PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the Finas Open House at Menara Finas in Damansara Damai today, emphasizing the need for greater openness and freedom for the film industry while maintaining values, culture, and morality. He stressed that freedom should not be pursued at the expense of national values and traditions, nor should it follow strictly Western or Eastern ideologies.

Anwar urged ministers to adopt a more open and tolerant attitude, but cautioned against losing cultural and moral values altogether. He expressed concern that an overly rigid and closed mindset could stifle the growth of the film industry, particularly Malay cinema. Anwar pointed out that Finas must be bold in reaching out to the younger generation with Malay films, including classic works that may not be as well-known to the younger generation.

He stressed the importance of this effort, as film is not just entertainment but also a part of cultural heritage and national identity. Anwar noted that he has seen the benefits firsthand after introducing classic Malay films like P Ramlee's works to his own grandchildren, who responded positively. He acknowledged the gap after trying to introduce traditional Malay films to his grandchildren, whose reaction was a testament that younger generations are not averse to Malay cinema, provided they are properly introduced to historically significant and culturally valuable works.