They said the use of Section 298 of the Penal Code, which deals with intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others, leaves a negative impact on freedom of expression.
They urged Putrajaya to repeal or amend laws that restricted freedom of expression.
Earlier, the film’s director Khairi Anwar Jailani and producer Tan Meng Kheng claimed trial to intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others. Khairi was charged in his role as director and scriptwriter of the movie.
The movie was about the religious conflict faced by Muslim teenager Aisyah, who explores other religions, especially for answers to the question of life after death.
Previously screened via online streaming platforms, it was criticised over some scenes which were said to be against Islamic teachings and beliefs. The home ministry banned the film on Sept 1.
The rights groups said “blasphemy provisions” like Section 298 of the Penal Code were arbitrary and open to abuse as they gave authorities the power to decide the parameters of religious discourse.
“Minority groups and individuals holding unpopular opinions are often disproportionately targeted. Blasphemy provisions promote intolerance by restricting the rights to freedom of expression, thought, and religion. Such prejudice can result in devastating consequences for society,” they said in a statement.
They also urged Putrajaya to put an end to the criminalisation of religious offences and the use of vaguely worded laws to curtail freedom of expression.
The statement was endorsed by Amnesty International Malaysia, Sisters in Islam, the Centre for Independent Journalism, Freedom Film Network, Gerakan Media Merdeka, Justice for Sisters, KRYSSNetwork, Suara Rakyat Malaysia and Article 19.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch deputy director Phil Robertson accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of being hypocritical, saying the PKR president used to be against censorship.
“(The charges against the ‘Mentega Terbang’ director and producer) is precisely the sort of thing that Anwar accused previous governments of doing when he was in the opposition.
“But now he has hypocritically changed his tune after assuming power, and using the same censorship and persecution,” Robertson said in a separate statement while calling for the charges to be dropped and the ban on the film to be lifted.