This was the explanation given by the Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) following allegations of racial segregation in this year’s Malaysian Film Festival.

It also said that for a movie to be nominated in the best film category, 70 per cent of its dialogue must be in Bahasa Malaysia.

Other languages will be considered for best film (Non-Bahasa Malaysia) category in the 28th Malaysian Film Festival to be held on Sept 3, added PFM in a statement issued today.

“These categories will also affect the best director and best screenplay categories.”

Experts and veterans in the local film industry have slammed the body for the segregation which resulted in top local films such as ‘Ola Bola’ and ‘Jagat’ disqualified from the ‘Best film’ category.

Prominent actor and filmmaker Afdlin Shauki today announced on his Facebook page that he would be boycotting the festival this year. He also labelled the language segregation as an act of “stupidity.”