What materials justified the ban on Mentega Terbang?

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Materials Justifying the Ban on Mentega Terbang

The decision to ban the film Mentega Terbang was supported by a comprehensive collection of materials assessed by the relevant authorities. These materials provided a basis for the Home Minister's power to prohibit the film under Section 26 of the Film Censorship Act, a power the Court of Appeal affirmed as constitutional. The Court of Appeal's ruling emphasized that this preventive power allows action before public disorder manifests.
Assessments from Multiple Authorities

The Home Minister's decision was informed by assessments from various governmental and religious bodies. These included evaluations from the Film Censorship Board, which scrutinises content for compliance with censorship guidelines. Additionally, input was sought from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Special Branch, indicating a broad consideration of potential societal impacts.
Reports and Expert Opinions

Further justification for the ban was derived from police reports, which likely detailed any public complaints or concerns raised regarding the film. Opinions from Islamic authorities were also considered, reflecting a focus on religious and moral considerations within the public interest framework. The Home Minister also personally viewed the film, adding a direct assessment to the collective body of evidence.
Interpretation of "Public Interest"

The Court of Appeal clarified that the "public interest" provision under Section 26 of the Film Censorship Act is not unlimited. It is interpreted to be confined to specific areas, namely national security, public order, and morality. This interpretation ensures that the minister's power, while broad in its preventive capacity, remains grounded in constitutionally permissible grounds.
Preventive Nature of the Law

The court underscored that the Film Censorship Act operates preventively, meaning authorities are not required to await evidence of actual public disorder before acting. The argument that the film had been available on a streaming platform without immediate incident did not negate the potential risk of unrestricted exhibition undermining public order. This perspective highlights the proactive stance of the legislation in safeguarding societal harmony.

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What materials justified the ban on Mentega Terbang?

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