In a joint statement, the group said the lack of action sent the wrong message – that threats of violence were acceptable if one was offended.

Such a response, they said, had instilled fear in the local creative industry.

“The government’s response so far will have a chilling effect on the Malaysian film and creative industry.

“(The government’s response) will discourage filmmakers and content creators from producing much-needed critical content that is representative of our diverse realities,” said the group.

Among the 42 signatories were Freedom Film Network, rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), columnist Faisal Tehrani and Amnesty International Malaysia.

It was reported last week that the Islamic development department found the film’s content to have gone against the Islamic creed.

The movie was subsequently removed from the streaming service platform Viu.

On Tuesday, police began their investigations into the movie for religious provocation after receiving eight reports against the movie.

“Mentega Terbang”, which touches on the differences and similarities of the major religions in Malaysia, has drawn criticism from the public as well as artistes. The movie has been available online since 2021.

The group also raised their concern that the laws that were used to investigate the matter gave the impression that the filmmakers had intentionally incited disharmony in the country.

They said content deemed offensive by certain individuals and groups must be handled in an independent, professional and transparent manner.

“We believe the long-term solution does not lie in tightening censorship, pursuing punitive measures nor allowing religious advisers to decide what is acceptable or unacceptable creative content.”