The Malaysian Insight

THE biopic Mahathir: The Journey may have the approval of the Prime Minister’s Department but producers of the film on Malaysia’s nonagenarian leader want to get his family members and other real-life characters to meet with the actors, film co-director Mohamad Hatta Azad Khan said.

Hatta said the producers are currently planning a gathering between the cast and those they were be playing, including Marina Mahathir, who recently tweeted that the family have not endorsed the film.

“I understand the producers are trying to arrange a gathering, inviting Marina and all who are involved in the story.

“The actors are playing the roles of people who are still alive and need some guidance. As co-director, I approve,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Dr Mahathir’s daughter tweeted the family did not endorse the biopic recently, adding: “My family would rather nobody made any films, biopics, musicals, cartoons, whatever about us, because it’s just embarrassing. But if you have to, please don’t make us watch them.”

Hatta said the film’s producers contacted Dr Siti Hasmah Ismail Mohd Ali about the film and also obtained approval for the script from the prime minister’s office.

Shooting for the film is to begin on December 15.

The film will look at the 15 years of Dr Mahathir’s life after his retirement as prime minister in 2003, until the time he became prime minister again after Pakatan Harapan won the 14th general election in 2018.

It will also look at the roles of key familial and political personalities on the same journey leading to PH’s victory.

This will include figures such as Marina, as well as PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is Permatang Pauh MP.

Hatta said he hoped the real-life characters would lend support and help the actors.

“If I were to play the role of Anwar Ibrahim, for example, I would appreciate having some guidance from him and the chance to observe him,” he said.

The opening of the film will begin with Dr Mahathir handing over the country’s administration to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Hatta said.

It will also examine dark periods on the political journey, such as a meeting between Dr Mahathir and Anwar in court, and the latter’s medical treatment while in prison.

“All this is part of the PH story. To me, there is no issue that is too sensitive, as we are not out to criticise or judge anyone in this film.

The focus is just on Dr Mahathir and those around him, avoiding the Najib Razak scandals completely, Hatta added.

Mahathir: The Journey is one of two films about Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister in pre-production, with the other Hasmah: Bila Deh Bertemu Det.

They follow on the heels of the popular documentary, M for Malaysia, by Ineza Rousille and Dian Lee.

Hasmah will be about Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah’s love story and is scheduled for release at the end of next year. – November 18, 2019.