PUTRAJAYA, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) has urged relevant agencies to take action and conduct a comprehensive review of the screening of several dramas featuring sensual scenes and manipulative elements, whether presented in the name of art or social awareness.
Acknowledging concerns raised by the public, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan, said that although the intention is to convey reality, provocative marketing presentations can overshadow the intended educational message.
“Therefore, we urge the relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive review and take action if any breaches of the guidelines are found,” he said in a statement today.
He said the circulation of clips featuring overly explicit scenes on social media could normalise harmful behaviour in society and negatively affect the emotional development and character of teenagers.
“Those in the creative industry and media platforms are reminded not to prioritise viewership figures and commercial profits over the values and principles that uphold faith in their work.
“The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) calls on the creative industry to uphold the principles of good conduct, ethics and maqasid syariah (objectives of Islamic law), as efforts to educate society about harmful behaviour should not come at the expense of viewers’ perceptions,” he said.
Zulkifli said reviews based on the Guidelines for Screening of Islamic-Themed Content Materials (JAKIM No. 4/2015) will be strengthened in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and relevant agencies to safeguard the sanctity of the religion.
“Great art is art that touches the soul without crossing the boundaries set by Syariah, as every work viewed by millions of people will ultimately be held accountable before Allah,” he said.
-- BERNAMA