Fridae

Malaysia's Home Ministry has clarified the reasons behind the banning of Banglasia, a film directed by Wee Meng Chee, or Namewee. It follows a group of multicultural friends who struggle to come to terms with differences among them.

The film was banned last year after the Film Censorship Board deemed no less than 31 scenes inappropriate. The ministry has responded to a request as to why the film was banned.

"This film has a title, theme, storyline, scenes and double meaning dialogue with implicit messages that were feared could raise controversy and public doubt," the ministry said in a written parliamentary response.

It said the film "mocked national security issues, specifically the Lahad Datu intrusion", "ridiculed the capacity and role of security troops in maintaining peace as well as national security", "includes allegations and negative perceptions towards government agencies related to citizenship", and "accentuates negative sociocultural lifestyles such as Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT)".

"Before the decision was made, the Film Censorship Board had a discussion with the producers of the film and explained the negative scenes and dialogue that needed to be amended in the film," the response read.

"However the film producers did not carry out the amendments as suggested by the Film Censorship Board, leading it to be not approved for screening."

Watch the trailer and a behind-the-scenes film below: