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Malaysia eyes censorship powers over Netflix, other streaming content amid creeping conservatism
- The home ministry says it hopes to prevent the streaming of LGBTQ, communist and Islamophobic content on platforms such as Netflix
- Local filmmakers have been wary of censorship rules for years with two such individuals having faced criminal action for their content
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Malaysia’s home ministry may soon seek to extend its censorship powers to Netflix and other streamers to prevent the screening of content with LGBTQ themes or stories deemed to have communist or Islamophobic messages, amid rising conservatism further stifling the creative works of local filmmakers.
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First introduced by the British authorities in 1908, the film censorship board – which falls under the home ministry – has long been the bane of Malaysian auteurs and film-goers who accuse it of arbitrary and heavy-handed censorship that inhibits free speech and good storytelling.
On Thursday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution defended the board’s role, citing the need to protect the morals and culture of all races in Malaysia, as well as the people’s religions and beliefs.
“This film control and censorship activity will continue to control any film that may threaten the security and order of the country,” Saifuddin said in parliament.
He said a stronger censorship regime was necessary as more films are entering the Malaysian market that contain elements against the beliefs of Muslims, including those with LGBTQ storylines or plots deemed to be Islamophobic.
“Of course, such films need to be censored and, if excessive, a decision not to approve for screening will be given,” Saifuddin said.
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