CMCF: Creativity needs space, audience must be given choices

Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Content Forum backs Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for greater artistic freedom in local filmmaking, advocating for stronger industry self-regulation and clearer content classification to empower creators while protecting audiences.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for Malaysian filmmakers to be given greater space and freedom to create.

CMCF stated that Anwar’s remarks presented a key opportunity for Malaysia to consider how its creative industry can grow with greater confidence while maintaining appropriate safeguards for audiences.

The forum noted that this approach should include stronger self-regulation, clearer content classification, accessible parental controls, and greater accountability across the sector.

On Aug 24, Anwar called for greater freedom and openness in the arts, particularly filmmaking, whilst stressing that creative expression must remain grounded in Malaysia’s values, culture, and morality. He emphasised that a more open environment was necessary to ensure the arts industry remained relevant and continued to grow, rather than simply replicating Western or other foreign models.

In a statement released today, CMCF noted that these principles sit at the heart of its role as Malaysia’s industry self-regulatory body, bringing the sector together with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible content whilst supporting creativity, innovation, and sustainable growth.

CMCF chairman, Datuk Rafiq Razali, said the creative industry required greater certainty so that creators and investors could make decisions with confidence.

“If we want Malaysian content to go further, the industry must have the confidence to experiment, invest, and create something different,” said Rafiq, who is also Media Prima group managing director.

“Clear standards are important because when expectations and boundaries are understood, creators feel more confident exploring bolder ideas. At the same time, the industry must demonstrate that greater freedom comes with responsibility. Strong self-regulation and accountability build trust, and that trust gives the industry more room to grow.”

CMCF added that content classification should play a more prominent role. Clear information about content allows adult audiences to make informed choices, whilst helping parents decide what is appropriate for their children.

Furthermore, CMCF welcomed the direction taken by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia and the Film Censorship Board, including a greater reliance on age classification where appropriate. The forum expressed confidence that this represents an encouraging step towards allowing filmmakers to preserve the integrity of their work, whilst ensuring audiences have the necessary information to choose responsibly.

CMCF vice chairman and Film Directors’ Association of Malaysia chairman, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, highlighted that filmmakers require space to tell stories that reflect societal realities.

“Filmmakers sometimes need to tackle difficult, sensitive, or uncomfortable subjects because those stories are part of real life,” Afdlin said.

“It is encouraging to see a more open approach taking shape. Where classification can offer audiences the right guidance without unnecessarily compromising the film itself, that marks a positive step forward.”

He added that the key lies in providing audiences with clear details about what they are watching and whom it is suitable for, whilst affording filmmakers the latitude to tell stories honestly and responsibly.

Addressing content consumed by children and teenagers, CMCF stressed that effective safeguards should not rely solely on parents. Platforms and distribution services must also provide accessible features, including child profiles, PIN controls, age settings, and content filters that are intuitive to navigate.