As such, he said the ongoing internal restructuring at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) was expected to create a fairer and more transparent environment for the local film industry, Bernama reported him as saying.

“Since stepping into the communications ministry and overseeing Finas, we have been working to dismantle not necessarily a cartel, but the long-standing attitudes and practices that have persisted.

“This process is ongoing,” Fahmi said after launching the Malaysia, Jompact! programme at the Malay Language Teacher Education Institute in Kuala Lumpur today.

Fahmi said he had yet to fully review the statement by Film Directors Association of Malaysia chairman Afdlin Shauki, who claimed that a cartel still existed in the local film industry.

However, he said addressing the issue remains a key priority for the ministry.

Last Thursday, a news portal reported Afdlin’s claim that a “hidden hand” or cartel dictated the success of local films, including prime screening slots, promotions and distribution.

Fahmi said among the early measures taken was instructing Finas to completely overhaul the membership of the committee responsible for reviewing film industry applications several months ago.

This was to ensure opportunities were distributed more fairly.

“In many organisations, when certain individuals or officers remain in positions for too long, unhelpful attitudes can develop that are not well received by the industry — not just in film but across other sectors as well.

“That is why I requested several months ago that committees, such as those reviewing applications, be entirely revamped.

“The cleansing process is now underway,” Fahmi added.