Discussion ongoing to review Finas Act

KUALA LUMPUR: A discussion is ongoing to review the Finas Act following a report that some board members of the national film body received government grants for their personal creative ventures.

Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said a meeting was held recently with Finas top management to discuss the issue and identify remedial measures.

“I am satisfied with their explanation and hope board members will not misuse their position to obtain funds for themselves.

“The amendment to the Act is crucial to ensure the issue does not recur and that Finas can perform its function well,” he said.

Recently, the Auditor-General’s Report 2021 (Series 2) disclosed that some RM4mil was channelled under the Digital Content Fund to companies linked to Finas board members.

Launched in 2015, the fund aimed to promote creative content by industry players, both locally and internationally, and enhance their competitiveness.

Fahmi was met after the Jelajah Saya Digital event by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) at the Pantai Eco Park Community Centre in Lembah Pantai yesterday.

Accompanying him were ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek and MDEC chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz.

Separately, Fahmi said a draft proposal on the setting up of a media council was being reviewed before presentation to the Cabinet.

The minister said his deputy Teo Nie Ching was looking into the matter to ensure the views of all stakeholders were accounted for.

“There are some concerns that need to be ironed out apart from ensuring the welfare of media practitioners.

“Some quarters opine that the council needs to be independent of government’s influence and this needs further review,” he noted.

On another matter, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would call up those involved in the publication of a recent video claiming the government was planning to trim the number of civil servants.

“I have been in contact with MCMC and was made to understand that they have looked (into the allegation made in the video).

“I will leave the matter to the authorities,” he added.

Fahmi subsequently made a post on his Twitter account to deny the matter and called on the publisher to explain itself.