Is 'Tanda Putera' another GE propaganda?

The Writest Stuff' by Mohsin Abdullah - fz.com

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  Rais said he was unaware of the selective screening of the film, first, to Felda settlers that was acknowledged by Maslan and then to UIA students.

WHAT Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said yesterday about the selective screening of the Tanda Putera film which many accuse "smacks of racism" is interesting. The information, communications and culture minister was reported to have said he was not made known of the selective screening of the film and the organisers (of the screenings) may have contravened cabinet directive. 

 

As we know, last November the cabinet decided the Suhaimi Baba film, funded by Finas (read public fund) was not appropriate for public screening, at least after GE 13. This followed allegations that the film which portrayed the May 13 riots "contained racial elements". And the government, by virtue of being the funder of the film, was accused of using it as an election propaganda tool.

 

But we also know of late, the film has been screened behind closed doors to specially selected audiences - which Rais was asked about by the media. Hence he said what he said and went on to say this: "We (his ministry) have been adhering to the cabinet decision and are not involved with any official or unofficial screening by those who possess their own means and methods as well as their own agenda". 

 

Now that's the interesting part.

 

Interesting because one of the two selective screenings thus far were held for some 3,000 Felda settlers upon "instruction" of the prime minister. Well, that's what a deputy minister in the PM's Department said anyway.  

 

Datuk Ahmad Maslan who is in charge of Felda affairs (he is also Umno information chief) was quoted by news portal Malaysiakini as saying "the film is not in cinemas but this historical film is important, I have been told by PM. The PM asked it to be screened for Felda settlers." Ahmad Maslan and the PM until now have not denied that. Meaning that statement stands.   

 

So the film was screened for the Felda settlers during an event in PWTC, Kuala Lumpur. Also present was former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This was in mid-February this year.

 

As the film has always been seen as one with racial undertones and BN propaganda, is PM Najib, advocator of 1Malaysia, dabbling in racial politics? And "resurrecting the ghosts of the May 13 riots" to win election?

 

But to the producers and director, it is not all about the racial riots. It also chronicles the relationship of former PM Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and his deputy Tun Ismail Abdul Rahman against the backdrop of May 13.

 

Said an Umno source who has seen the film: "It is also about patriotism of the leaders. I was so touched that Tun Razak never knew Tun Ismail was not well until Tun Ismail died of a heart attack. Tun Razak's famly was the last to know that he was dying of leukaemia. Both leaders did not tell people close to them of their sickness as the country needed them then, especially during the May 13 tragedy".

 

True. Still, screening the film to Felda settlers does have its "dividends" for BN and in particular Najib?

 

"Depends on how you want to look at it. Tun Razak is synonymous with Felda," said the Umno source. Yes, the late Tun Razak has always been credited for the formation of Felda. And the majorioty of the settlers, especially the older generations, felt "indebted" to the late PM. Could that "gratitude" be "extended" to his son by the present Felda generation? After watching the film?

 

Anyway, it is understood that the film, through its depiction of the May 13 scenes, blamed the riots on "some Chinese", Communist elements (read Chinese) and the opposition then (read Chinese again).

 

So will viewers (in this case Felda settlers and definitely Malays) have a "dislike" for the Chinese? The Umno source claimed "my Chinese friends who have watched the film do not feel its anti-Chinese". But added the Umno source, "the DAP will not like the film".

 

Another question. Will the film win votes for BN? Umno especially? "To say the film does not have any effect on winning support would not be right," said the Umno man.

 

Considering the current political temperature, screening the film to Felda settlers to utilise the Tun Razak and Najib factor can be, well, "understandable" for want of a better word. (but the May 13 aspect is a totally different perspective). 

 

However, showing it to selected UIA students? A few days ago it was reported the film was screened for "invited"  and "selected" students of the university. And the powers that be made it compulsory for undergraduates who are members of the varsity's police volunteer corp and air force reserve officers training unit to attend.

 

Now why would they do that?