Film 'The New Village' still banned, says Home Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: The edited version of controversial 2013 film, The New Village, will remain banned as it still appears to glorify communism, the Home Ministry says.

In a written response on Wednesday to Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Taiping), the ministry told the Dewan Rakyat that the edited version still contained elements that could jeopardise national harmony and public order.

“Therefore, the LPF (Film Censorship Board) could not approve The New Village film for public screening and the film producers have accepted and adhered to the decision,” it said.

Set against the backdrop of 1950s British rule in Malaya, The New Village depicts a love story between a village girl and a young communist guerrilla.

It also offers a glimpse into the lives of Chinese citizens during the Malayan emergency.

Directed by Wong Kew-Lit, The New Village was scheduled to begin its run in local cinemas from Aug 22, 2013.

The ministry said there had been complaints and objections from various quarters over the film that is said to glorify Parti Komunis Malaya (PKM).

“The film also did not at all portray the violence committed by PKM guerrillas, but depicted the violence committed by the British,” it said adding that the film appeared to be aimed at altering historical facts.

Nga, in his question, had asked the Home Ministry the actual reasons behind the ban and whether the Government had any plans to amend the Film Censorship Act 1971.

The ministry said the Cinematograph Film Ordinance (Censorship) 1971 had already been reviewed and repealed and has been replaced with Film Censorship Act 2002 that is already in force.