Screenshots

The threatening mentality is widespread in the country. That is because the authorities do not value the citizens. Based on above stated conviction, even snatch thieves are treated better by our lawmakers.
In the UK driving license is issued once and valid till you are 65 years old. By doing away with renewal, you can improve efficiency.
The FINAS license should be valid until the company is wound up or until such time the company is found to have contravended the regulations.

Jeff,

I feel that your site sometimes sacrifices integrity for sensationalism. You say that no other country in the world has this ruling - well, of course - it's rare to find exact matches to rulings and laws in ANY two countries in the world unless they have a shared history of administration/culture.

That said, you are wrong in saying that no other country imposes fines and other restrictions on film makers for failing to follow given guidelines. Iran is an obvious example of such a country where filmmakers often have to dupe the authorities (in their case, the Ministry of Guidance) to get permission to film, and later to release it.

By making such a blanket statement, you give the impression that your post is not researched,

JEFF OOI says: It's quite clear that I didn't do the research, but my reader, whose email I posted based on his stature in the industry and the merits of the email, did it. If the author choose to respond, I shall publish it verbatim in good faith.

I also understand that there are parties who take it as an insult if Malaysia is taken to be compared with repressive regimes, like Iran. Malaysia is NOT a repressive regime, and Malaysia stands for something better which is well acknowledged by the international community, but never in the same league as Iran.

and that you were simply going for the shock factor - to give everyone the impression that our creative industry is being oppressed. While we may not be as free as some others, we're not the worst out there.

There are ways to get around such rulings and laws. If there's a message to be heard, I'm sure creative filmmakers in Malaysia can find it, not sit around complaining how difficult it is to make movies in our country. That said, we should also petition our government to encourage creative expression.

One way to do this is to initiate dialogue with relevant authorities. Instead of criticism and vague insinuations, I think we should take the higher route and offer constructive solutions.

One of the constructive solutions, as proffered by the email author, is to take away such licensing requirement, and with it, the penalty of fine and imprisonment.

end up everybody become personal/hobbyist video maker and upload to youtube.com?

"BERKIHDMAT UNTUK NEGARA"

I wonder if our Negara really needs this.

By the way, I heard that locally produced films in other language other than Malay are considered FOREIGN films.

True or not?

South Koreans lifted their tourism industry to an unbelievable height just through their drama movies alone. Will that ever happen in bolehland? I say, keep dreaming.

Not that we are short of creative people. We simply have too many unproductive politicians trying hard to flex their 'muscles' to show the world they are the boss.

hasilox, Malaysia could do the same, if the dramas actually got widespread attention.

As you pointed out, South Korea did it. New Zealand did it with the scenery from the LOTR trilogy.

cinema can promote tourism, if the movies were actually any good.

I hope those on behalf of Yasmin Ahmad and Amir Muhammad has settled their payments. Waiting to watch Mukhsin and The Last Communist.

Dear prema, are you some apologist for the people who set up those draconian rules? If not, what's wrong with you, are you stupid or what. Look at what you say,
"here are ways to get around such rulings and laws."

Get around does not mean the ruling NOT STUPID. It only mean people like you GIVE UP, not to mentioned you pathetic mentality hope other will GIVE UP like you. I cannot imagine the country will gain independent if those day are run by people like you!

aput83,

You mean like after Jackie Chan's Police Story 3 in Kuala Lumpur and like Andy Tennant's Anna and The King in Langkawi. Do we still have those castle there?

hasilox,

Most of the non-political field that touched by the politicians normally turn to poopoo after that...

beefstew,

yeah, the hotel from Anna and the King is still there, but from what I am hearing, it's not well maintained.

as for KL, well, tourists are attracted to it anyway, but that's as far as it goes.

No one makes films in Perak, Terengganu, Johor, even.

But on a whole, yes, that's what I meant.