"Ban 'Blasphemous' Movie, Evan Almighty," Says Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia

The government has been asked to ban the movie "Evan Almighty" scheduled to be screened in Malaysian cinemas from Aug 23, as it is said to hurt Muslims' sensitivities by poking fun at God and Prophet Noah.

Secretary-general of the Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia (PPIM), Datuk Dr Maamor Osman said parts of the film were contrary to Islamic teachings and he feared that this could adversely infuence the minds of young Muslims.

"The movie refers to the big flood during the time of Prophet Noah, but this has been turned into a comedy which is insulting to Islam.

"Featuring a human being as God in the movie is also against Islam," he told Bernama here today.

The trailer of the US$175 million (RM604 million) movie has been shown in cinemas here. It features actor Morgan Freeman as God, asking Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) to build an ark to prevent the big flood that is to hit New York.

"Although it's only a movie, it could still affect the thinking of the young who study history and the religion in school," said Dr Maamor.

He said Muslims the world over should be wary of devious ways used by the enemies of Islam to influence Muslims' thinking through the media and movies.
"Their target is usually not the adults or mature people but the young who are the future leaders."

He said as the government had previously banned a number of films, including local ones, found to be unsuitable for public screening, "Evan Almighty", should be given the same treatment.

Dr Maamor said the public could voice their objection to the screening of the movie through the PPIM website at http://www.muslimconsumer.org.my/ which would be forwarded to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, former director of the Malaysian armed forces' Religious Corps, Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Najmi Ahmad said such movies should have been banned from the beginning as they insulted or made fun of the history of the religion and the Prophets.

"Even depicting the facial features of the `Rasul' (Messenger of God) and Prophets is against Islamic teachings," he said.

In 2003, the screening of "Bruce Almighty", the prequel to "Evan Almighty", also directed by Tom Shadyac, had also aroused controversary and objection in the country but was eventually approved by the Film Censorship Board.
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In today's earlier post: Bridging Gap Between Muslims And The West; 'Moderate' Malaysia Should Take The Lead Says Kofi Annan.

From Bernama: Malaysia Still The Role Model Despite Internal Issues, Kofi Annan Claims.