PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has nothing to do with the refusal to allow “O Holy Night” to be sung in place of “Jingle Bell Rock” at a Christmas event in Sarawak, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The communications and digital minister said he checked with the MCMC on the matter and was informed that Sarawak-owned television station TVS’s licence condition is for live and delayed telecast.
“Prerecorded (content) does not require the MCMC’s approval. As such, MCMC is not involved in this decision-making process.
“LPF (the Film Censorship Board) is under the home ministry,” he said in a posting on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Earlier, the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) said it will not take part in the “A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity” event on Dec 3 after its request for “O Holy Night” to be sung in place of “Jingle Bell Rock” was rejected.
ACS said “Jingle Bell Rock” had nothing to do with Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
However, TVS, the organiser of the event, said it could not accede to the request as “O Holy Night” contained religious elements. It added that this was in line with the protocols of the LPF and MCMC.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg is expected to attend the event.
