Gafim head won’t retract letter to minister

Jurey Latiff Rosli says he met with Finas D-G yesterday to have a heart-to-heart discussion.

PETALING JAYA: Jurey Latiff Rosli has insisted he will not retract the letter he wrote to Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak with regards to issues within the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).

Jurey, who is president of the Coalition of Malaysian Filmmakers’ Association (Gafim), said he would bear the responsibility should there be any problems or damage done as a result of the official letter he sent in March.

“As president (of Gafim), I sent the letter to the minister with regards to issues in Finas.

“I will not retract the letter because it has been sent. If there is any ‘damage’ done, I will be responsible,” he said when contacted by FMT today.

Jurey also confirmed he had met Finas Director-General Kamil Othman yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the conflict.

“This issue has caused a rift and has tarnished our image. We took the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart discussion and to find a solution.

“Personally, we have no issues with one another,” Jurey said, adding that they wanted to find a common ground where they could work together.

“To me what is important is the industry. Presidents come and go. What is important is that the industry remains.

“We want to clear the air so that supporters of both sides will not argue.”

Commenting on five associations leaving Gafim, Jurey said he respected their decision.

“We respect their decision because each association has its own agenda. It was a decision made legally.”

The five associations that left Gafim were the Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM), Professional Film Workers’ Malaysia Association (Profima), Malaysian Commercial Films Producers Association (PPFIM), Malaysian Cinematographers’ Association (MYSC) and the Malaysian Post-Production and Animation Association (Postam).

The move to leave Gafim was said to have been due to Jurey not being happy with Finas’ leadership.

Actors and directors unhappy over Gafim’s criticism of Kamil have also taken to show their support for Kamil on social media using the hashtag #KamiSokongKamil.