Saksi kata tak pertikai akidah sendiri selepas tonton ‘Mentega Terbang’

On 28 November 2021, the controversial film "Mentega Terbang" was broadcasted before it was banned by the Minister of Home Affairs on 1 September 2023. Yamna Ismail, a witness who filed a police report about the film in 2023, testified in the Majistret court that the film did not make her question her Islamic beliefs. She had already learned about the concept of reincarnation (reincarnation) from various sources, including reading materials, films, and anime, before watching "Mentega Terbang."

During cross-examination by defense attorney Zaid Malek, Yamna confirmed that she remained a Muslim despite the film's content. She affirmed that the film did not cause her to stray from her faith. The 39-year-old housewife stated that she could only speak on behalf of herself and was uncertain about the views of others in society.

She also disagreed with Zaid's suggestion that the film could not mislead the Muslim community solely because it explored reincarnation. Prior to today's proceedings, Yamna had expressed that the film touched on sensitive topics related to faith, reincarnation, suspicion, double standards in Islam, and religious comparisons. During today's hearing, she did not agree with Zaid's claim that she reported the police to protect Islam and not due to the film's content offending her.

However, when Zaid referred to her police report, she changed her answer and agreed with Zaid's previous statement. She denied using the term "offended" in her report. Zaid also questioned her statement that she had watched the entire film on February 26, 2023. When asked about the platform used to watch it, Yamna confirmed she viewed it on YouTube using her smartphone.

Zaid suggested that the film might not have been available on YouTube at that time, to which Yamna agreed. She did not respond when asked if she had provided false testimony. Khairi Anwar Jailani, the 34-year-old director, and Tan Meng Kheng, the 39-year-old producer, are charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code for intentionally wounding religious sentiments in others.

The film was broadcasted on November 28, 2021, before being banned by the Home Ministry on September 1, 2023. Deputy Prosecutor Nor Azizah Aling and Nadia Izhar represented the prosecution. The trial, presided over by Judge Heng Yi Min, continued on January 25, 2024.