RTM suspends Chinese sitcom
Published on: Sunday, February 09, 2014
Kuala Lumpur: Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) announced the suspension of TV2's Chinese sitcom "88 Kopitiam" following allegations that one of its actors was involved in Teresa Kok's controversial Chinese New Year video.In a brief statement here, RTM's broadcasting director-general Datuk Norhyati Ismail said RTM will summon the programme's producers soon to answer to the allegations."This is to ensure that no parties are being victimised or misused by certain irresponsible individuals," the statement said.ADVERTISEMENT Norhyati also pledged to review any programme that is linked to activities that "tarnish the name and image of the country".88 Kopitiam is aired on TV2 every Monday at 7pm. According the statement, the programme is a comedy-style sitcom that touches on current issues affecting the Chinese community.Kok has come under fire for producing an 11-minute satirical Chinese New Year view that lampoons current affair issues in Malaysia.The Seputeh MP is currently under police investigation for the video, which Muslim groups have claimed is anti-Islam and anti-Malay.ADVERTISEMENT In the video, the MP plays the role of a feng shui talk show host interviewing three panellists on their predictions for the lunar new year.Among others, the panellists in the clip joked about a variety of hot button topics such as education, the kidnap of a Taiwanese tourist in Sabah last year and others.
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Last Thursday, a group calling itself the "Council of Islamic NGOs" slaughtered live chickens in their protest against a satirical Chinese New Year video by Kok, after which they proceeded to smear the blood on a banner with images of DAP and PKR lawmakers.The banner also warned of "nightmares" of May 13, 1969, in reference to the bloody racial riots of that year.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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The group also reportedly incited physical violence against Kok, offering members of the public cash rewards to assault her.The six Muslim groups alleged to have been involved in the protest are Pertubuhan Permuafakatan Majlis Ayahanda Malaysia (Permas), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam dan Dakwah (Pekida), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Bakti Malaysia (Perkib), Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) and Martabat Jalinan Muhibbah Malaysia (MJMM).