MACC, Fantasy Film to produce corruption drama

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) and Fantasy Film Sdn Bhd will be joining hands to produce a 13episode drama to create awareness on the dangers of corruption.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, who launched the partnership yesterday, said the effort must be lauded as corruption remained an issue that needed to be addressed.

“MACC has been doing a remarkable job in fighting corruption and creating awareness. I definitely feel that the 13-episode series is not enough to show what it has been doing, and how serious corruption is.

“The effort to fight corruption must continue to be the topmost or permanent agenda of the country as we can’t allow corruption to become a culture in society. When that happens, it will be dangerous,” he said.

The series, titled Banteras, will start filming in September and is expected to be aired on Radio Televisyen Malaysia.

Well-known local director Ghaz Abu Bakar would direct the series, featuring various artistes, including Shahili Abdan, famously known as Namron, Sangeetha Krishnasamy and Khir Rahman in lead roles.

Witnessing the launch of the event yesterday, MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad said the drama series was one of its numerous efforts to educate and create awareness on corruption.

“We hope through this effort, we will be able to reach out to people through the anti-corruption message we want to extend in every episode,” he said.

Ghaz said the storylines would focus on one corruption case in each episode, starting with a case related to a land grant.

“Following that, different cases focusing on one main issue will be highlighted. We want to educate the people that corruption can cause a domino effect that disrupts the whole system.

“The series will also subtly highlight current issues, like the arrests of illegal foreign workers, to show the different issues that MACC officers are involved in,” he said.

Sangeetha said she was preparing to take up a serious role.

“The director and actors will be going through workshops with MACC to prepare ourselves well to portray each role effectively.

“As an actress, I always look forward to characters that can create an impact through entertainment. I believe this series will do just that. Of all the dramas I have acted in, I know this will have an impact,” she said.