FINAS urged to rethink Borneo.TV Collaboration amid industry backlash
KOTA KINABALU (July 22): News that the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) is planning to hold an official programme at Borneo.TV has sparked controversy and speculation within Sabah's creative industry circles.
The issue has drawn concern from local industry players, as Borneo.TV is not a platform fully owned by Sabahans, raising questions about inclusivity and representation.
Spokesperson for the Sabah Creative Industry Action Committee (JATIKS), Andrew Ambrose, better known as Atama, has urged FINAS to steer clear of any controversy surrounding the platform. Borneo.TV is currently facing two police reports over an article alleged to have insulted Sabah's creative community.
The article in question reportedly portrayed Sabah's creative practitioners as 'living under a coconut shell,' overly parochial, obsessed with their own opinions and often playing the 'victim card.'
Atama said the community is now awaiting a decision from the Sabah Native Court, which will determine whether the case falls under the state's customary law jurisdiction.
The revelation that FINAS intends to host an official programme at Borneo.TV's office at Oceanus, Kota Kinabalu, has added fuel to the fire, intensifying unease among Sabah's creative community.
Many in the industry, as well as social media users, have questioned the rationale behind choosing the venue.
A Facebook user, Ramli Carlo, asked whether the programme is genuinely designed to be inclusive of Sabahans or if it is being influenced by external interests.
Another user, Rodie Sofazr, expressed surprise at what he described as Borneo.TV's sudden emergence in Sabah's creative ecosystem.
President of the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA), Chester Pang, also voiced disappointment upon learning that the event will be held at Borneo.TV's premises. He has personally raised the matter with FINAS CEO, Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
Chester said it is now up to FINAS to decide whether to side with local creative practitioners, support external platforms, or remain neutral.
Commenting on talk of a planned protest during the night of the event, Chester advised against any public demonstration.
He stressed the importance of respecting the presence of the Minister of Communications and the Sabah Chief Minister at the same event, to protect the image and perception of Sabah's creative industry.
Chester added that SAFVA will seek further clarification after meeting with the SMJ Secretariat and the Chief Minister in the near future.
The situation highlights growing tension between Sabah's creative community and external entities perceived as lacking sensitivity to local context. Industry players in Sabah are calling for their voices to be acknowledged and for meaningful involvement in decisions that shape the state's creative future.
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