Semangkuk Mentega Terbang is an e-book that collects 12 essays on Mentega Terbang, the Khairi Anwar Jailani independent film that was banned in September last year—two years after its release—following pressure from certain groups, on the grounds of being “contrary to public interest.”

Months before the ban, Khairi and the film’s screenwriter Arjun Thanarajuhairi received death threats and had their cars splashed with paint and a corrosive substance.

No arrests were made after the attack, but Khairi and Mentega Terbang producer Tan Meng Kheng were subsequently charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code, after being accused of intentionally seeking to “wound” the “feelings of others.” The case is ongoing, with Khairi and Tan pleading not guilty and challenging the constitutionality of Section 298.

Given the film’s outsize importance, in terms of what it says about the current political climate and growing constraints on free expression in the country, Matahari Books put together this bilingual e-book, which features essays from Freedom Film Network, Amir Muhammad, Kalash Nanda Kumar, Liyana Bright and others, all curated by Zoul Yazix.

Semangkuk Mentega Terbang is available for download for free on Google Play.

Details

Semangkuk Mentega Terbang

Zoul Yazix, ed.
Matahari Books
2024