FINAS Revamp To Guarantee Fair Opportunities, End ‘Cartel’ Culture - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The ongoing internal restructuring at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is expected to create a fairer and more transparent space for the local film industry, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the measure is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to curb unhealthy practices that were previously linked to the existence of a ‘cartel’ in the film project application and approval process.

“Since stepping into the Ministry of Communications and overseeing FINAS, we have been working to dismantle not necessarily a cartel, but the long-standing attitudes and practices that have persisted, and this process is ongoing,” he told reporters after launching Malaysia, Jompact! programme at the Malay Language Teacher Education Institute here today.

Fahmi added that he has yet to fully review the statement by Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki, who claimed that a cartel exists in the local film industry, but stressed that addressing the issue remains a key priority for the ministry.

Last Thursday, a news portal reported Afdlin’s claim that a ‘hidden hand’ or cartel dictates the success of local films, including prime screening slots, promotion, and distribution.

Fahmi said among the early measures taken was instructing FINAS to completely overhaul the membership of the committee responsible for reviewing film industry applications several months ago, to ensure opportunities are distributed more fairly.

“In many organisations, when certain individuals or officers remain in positions for too long, unhelpful attitudes can develop that are not well received by the industry—not just in film, but across other sectors as well.

“That is why I requested several months ago that committees, such as those reviewing applications, be entirely revamped. The cleansing process is now underway,” he added.

-- BERNAMA