THE uproar following a description of a rape scene by an actor has encouraged arts companies and individuals in the entertainment industry to promote a code of conduct, which covers matters of discrimination, harassment and bullying.
The initiative is being carried out by a group of companies, affiliates and individuals working in the film, TV and production industry known as the Integrated Malaysian Actors Network (Iman), together with PPFIM (Persatuan Penerbit Filem Iklan Malaysia).
This code of conduct has been adapted from a publication by the arts group Five Arts Centre for the Malaysian performing arts industry.
"In light of recent offensive remarks which demonstrated insensitivity and disrespect, we pledge our commitment to respect the rights of every person in the industry,” Iman said in a statement.
"By pledging support for the code, we intend to promote a specific set of actions and behaviour for professionals to ensure integrity, respect and civil behaviour."
The pledge currently involves a total of 29 companies, 50 individuals and one affiliate.
The companies include Petra Media, Red Communications, KL Motion Pictures, Pesona Pictures, and Kuman Pictures.
The individuals who pledged their support include Bront Palarae, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, Datin Sofia Jane, Namron, Lisa Surihani, Chelsia Ng, Vanidah Imran, Iedil Dzuhrie, Sharifah Amani, Nadiya Nisaa, Datin Paduka Suhaimi Baba, Osman Ali, Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim and Liew Seng Tat.
By pledging to uphold this code of conduct, they declare their intention to encourage specific actions and conduct in every professional and company affair, towards ensuring that industry employees demonstrate integrity, mutual respect and courteous behavior.
They believe this code of conduct must be supported and implemented in line with the development and improvement of the film, TV and publishing industries in Malaysia.
“What is more important is that we use this issue to improve the industry for the future,” said Bront Palarae, one of the celebrities who is behind the pledge.
"This code of conduct will be the starting point in our efforts to make our industry safer and more ethical.”
PPFIM vice president Jehan said: "The code will not solve problems immediately, but it is an important step in the right direction." – The Vibes, October 23, 2021
