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KUALA LUMPUR – Tensions have been brewing in the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) ever since a board reshuffle two years ago, said people familiar with the matter, amid growing calls for the resignation of chief executive Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri.
A source told The Vibes that one area of tension is the agency’s management of its Indian content and Indian subcontinent market committee, adding that despite numerous attempts to speak up, critics are brushed aside as “problematic”.
“The problems started when they reshuffled the board at Finas. I don’t think many of them have enough experience to lead the agency as there are better people out there with solid credentials.”
The leadership overhaul happened in December 2018 under then communications and multimedia minister Gobind Singh Deo, who, at the time, lauded the change.
When new ideas for Indian content are pitched, the source said, some are rejected without solid reasons provided, “as the practice of favouritism is very rampant”.
Grants were also wasted due to a lack of oversight, the source added, where instead of producing songs as agreed in the terms and conditions, an artiste ended up “splurging the money on himself, and only doing three songs”.
“Basically, this is how resources are wasted. They really need to choose well who they give grants to.”
Such weak management has left many production companies with good ideas stranded as they lack the resources to pursue them, the source said.
“What usually happens then is, these small players pitch to much larger firms, and the latter end up taking credit for the content.”
Outside the Indian media industry, the source said, technical crew across the board are being exploited.
“Actors and actresses are paid around RM3,000 to RM8,000. However, the technical crew are paid on a daily basis.”
The Vibes spoke to a member of a film’s technical crew who confirmed the matter, and said they are not paid well and that the call for Idham to resign is a sensible one.
“Personally, I get paid on time for most of my jobs. However, most of my friends who freelance, who have done jobs with production companies, don’t get paid on time. Sometimes, it takes five to six months to get salaries.”
Asked why this is the case, the technician pointed to loopholes in the system where “monies are not funnelled properly”, instead being pocketed by others.
Meanwhile, film-maker Asri Alias told The Vibes that the Finas leadership was late to take action to open up the creative industry during the movement control order (MCO).
Although the government had given leeway for production to resume yesterday, the decision came nearly one month after the MCO took effect on January 13.
Asri said Finas began issuing media statements on the submission of standard operating procedures to the National Security Council (NSC) only on February 2.
“But when a reporter asked the minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob), he said there was no submission (of SOPs), and from then, we knew that Finas did not do its job and lied to the industry.”
While the recent loosening of restrictions comes as a relief, Asri said shooting can be done only in studios, but most production takes place outside of the studio environment.
He added that more than 90% of shooting for films, TV dramas, documentaries and others takes place outdoors, and that those in the industry are aware of the dangers of Covid-19 and know how to work under such circumstances.
“The new SOPs are also confusing, as the definition of ‘studio’ was not clear and explained to NSC.
“We cannot blame NSC because they might not be knowledgeable about filming. The SOPs should be done by the body looking after the welfare of the film industry. But if the SOPs presented to NSC are half-baked, then those are what will be approved.”
He said Finas should have used the experience from the MCO last year to improve the current SOPs, as well as include stakeholders, such as industry players, associations and those in the field, in its decision-making.
“Where have all the accumulated data gone? They (Finas) should do some research.
“And why didn’t Finas explain to the authorities how essential this sector is, since films and TV programmes are a necessity given the MCO, when the public needs entertainment?”
He added that Finas should improve collaboration with industry members, adding that their welfare should be a priority as more than 80% of those working in the field are freelancers, who earn an income only when filming commences.
Earlier this week, film industry players intensified calls for Idham and Finas chairman Zakaria Abdul Hamid to leave the agency, following their alleged failure to look after the welfare of workers in the sector.
The group Art Revolt has launched a petition addressed to the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, demanding the removal of the two from the Finas board.
Despite such calls, Finas deputy chairman Datuk Norman Abdul Halim yesterday issued a statement, saying the board will give its undivided support for the two to continue helming the agency.
Among other initiatives, Norman said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, which oversees Finas, has launched the Malaysian Creative Industry Stimulus Package, which will benefit 9,000 creative industry players and create 40,000 jobs with an RM89.2 million allocation.
He added that Finas is looking to hold a virtual town hall with stakeholders to discuss improvements to be done, to realise their shared agenda of internationalising the local creative industry and fulfilling its aspirations. – The Vibes, February 11, 2021
Additional reporting by A. Azim Idris
