Awesome TV slammed for remarks against minister

FDAM president, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim
PFM president, Pansha
PROFIMA president Khalil Salleh

By Mohamad Letfee Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Four film industry associations slammed Awesome TV for its remarks towards Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil’s call for the television station to resolve immediately its outstanding debt issue, saying it was rude.

The Malaysian Film Producers’ Association (PFM), Film Directors’ Association of Malaysia (FDAM), Malaysian Artistes’ Association (SENIMAN) and the Malaysian Professional Film Workers’ Association (PROFIMA) in separate statements expressed their disappointment with Awesome TV’s action and urged the TV station to issue a public apology to Fahmi, in addition to resolving payment issues involving producers and artistes.

PFM’s president, Pansha said Awesome TV’s statement implies that the minister does not have the power to resolve industry problems and fight for the plight of oppressed industry practitioners.

“Despite many discussions with Awesome TV, the issues are far from being resolved.  Taking producers and artistes to court to resolve the broadcaster’s internal issues is an unwise and dishonest solution.

“This problem should be resolved by Awesome TV, without involving other parties, including using media channels,” he said.

Meanwhile, FDAM’s president, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim described Awesome TV’s counter statement on Fahmi’s remark as extremely unethical and impolite, as well as disappointing.

“We suggest that Awesome TV apologises to Fahmi Fadzil publicly for its rude statement. We are also concerned that this matter might be exploited politically by certain parties,” he said.

SENIMAN’S president Zed Zaidi said that the station’s actions has also offended as well as tested the patience and sentiments of industry  practitioners.

SENIMAN further suggested that Awesome TV, as well as the vendors involved, meet directly with the minister to resolve their internal problems, including the aspects of broadcasting or producing programmes, in a civilised manner.

Also sharing similar sentiments is PROFIMA’S president Khalil Salleh, who expressed the association’s full support for the minister’s intervention to help resolve Awesome TV’s problems, which affect all parties, especially the producers.

“As a broadcaster which has been issued a licence by the government, Awesome TV should have a more professional, responsible attitude, and accept reprimands from the minister,” he said.

At the Creative Industries Town Hall Session (Series 3: Film Industry) held at REXKL last Monday, Fahmi asked Awesome TV to honour its agreement with producers.

“Any issues on unpaid debts and lawsuits involving the producers must be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.

Awesome TV in its counter statement said, Fahmi should not meddle in the station’s commercial affairs with its suppliers.

–WE