12 Sep – Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that the Film Censorship Board (LFP) has the final say when it comes to the film "The New Village". He admitted that the film itself was good, but insists that the film conceals 'pro-communist' messages. "I personally found the film to be good, however, the movie subtly glorified Communists and painted it in a better light than the police. I am not supporting any security forces in the film, but the British army is portrayed as arrogant. Were the Communists better than the security forces?" He said that the LFP should be ready to face public backlash should the film be allowed to screen. He also said the LFP should be praised if the film is received well.
The film was previously due to be screened on 22 August but it was suspended by Ahmad Zahid, pending a review from the LFP. He said the suspension was due to the uproar created by bloggers and NGOs over the film's contents. Set in 1947, "The New Village" revolves around a 'hakka' family during the state of emergency that occurred due to the clash between the Malayan Communist Party and The British Military Administration.