Government pls GET A CLUE!!!

Press release by my boss. interesting read.

Issue: Government imposes 20% entertainment tax on films directed by Malaysians and who have a full Malaysian cast.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture (Kementrian Penerangan Komunikasi dan Kebudayan), only films that are 60% in Bahasa Kebangsaan are to be considered local films.

This policy not only creates discriminatory problems but it also shows that the ministry has little or no understanding in the development of the arts and media.

Narrow minded thinking and policies will stunt the growth of the local film industry, lower the standards of films being made and limit the creativity of directors.

Such a high tax rate will not prevent films from Hollywood or Bollywood from entering the market but it will prevent the entry of multi-lingual local films.

The Central Government is constantly promoting the idea of 1-Malaysia and yet it is not reflected in their policies even in just the difference in use of language.

A recent case – the making of the film ‘Ice Kacang, Puppy Love’ clearly reflects that the government does not encourage the growth of the local film industry. The production crew, cast and directors were all Malaysian but it was categorized as a foreign film

As a Malaysian, this makes me feel embarrassed and disappointed that the central government does not place any value on Malaysian productions.

If we look at South Korea, the government invests and subsidizes heavily on their local film industry and helps to promote their films throughout Asia. Film productions are not just for entertainment purposes but also reflect the local cultures and social understandings of a society.

For example, the Korean film ‘Tai Cheong Kim’ brought thousands of foreign tourists and has greatly profited the tourist industry. Other than that, even food that has been introduced through the film has become part of our local urban culture. Why doesn’t our own government see any of these benefits?

DAPSY suggests that the government should abolish the 20% tax on the sale of tickets and to properly redefine all local films.

By: Y.B. Jenice Lee Ying Ha ADN Teratai

       DAPSY Deputy Chief

P.S. it would be interesting to see Korean/Taiwanese/Japanese fangirls clamouring to KL for a bite of curry puff or lontong or keropok lekor! we just need to glam up our food like they did!