Cinema operators in Penang are advised not to screen "Tanda Putera" for fear of stoking racial tensions.

29 Aug – Controversial historical biography film "Tanda Putera" opens in cinemas today, but cinema operators in Penang has received a directive from the Penang state government for cinemas not to screen the movie on the May 13 riots.

The reason behind the directive was due to DAP and MCA's concerns that it would incite racial tensions with its scenes and dialogue that are said to be racially sensitive, such as blaming the 1969 racial riots on the Chinese.

However, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng clarified that the state government did not impose a ban on the movie in the state and that the directive is only an advisory.

Meanwhile, the film's director, Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba, warned cinema operators in Penang that to not screen the movie would mean that they run the risk of having their licenses revoked.

"As far as we are concerned the screening should go on as scheduled by FINAS Wajib Tayang Committee. If the cinema operators do not screen the film as scheduled, their licences can be revoked by FINAS."

The directive to cinema operators that advises them not to screen "Tanda Putera" to avoid racial tensions.

Previously, Shuhaimi Baba insisted that the film is an interpretation of historical events derived from multiple opinions and research, but later amended her statement to point out that the film is only a fictional account of events surrounding the racial riots on 13 May 1969.

She vehemently disagreed with Lim Guan Eng's decision to issue the directive as she is only "filmmaker and not his political opponent" and uncalled for as he has not even seen the movie.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek also agreed with Shuhaimi Baba and further called Lim Guan Eng's move "narrow-minded" and going beyond the scope of his powers as only the Censorship Board could ban films in the country.

At time of publishing, GSC had released an official statement regarding the screening of "Tanda Putera", which complies with the Penang State Government's recent directive. Patrons of GSC Queensbay Mall and GSC Sunway Carnival who have bought tickets for the movie will receive a refund.

As of 30 August, GSC had released another official statement regarding the screening of "Tanda Putera". As Penang State Government has clarified that the directive issued earlier was only meant as an advisory to cinema operators, the movie will be screened at GSC Queensbay Mall & GSC Sunway Carnival from Saturday, 31 August, onwards. However, GSC will still provide refunds for customers who have purchased tickets for "Tanda Putera" on 29 and 30 August.