Censors block Baron Cohen film

Malaysia has banned Sacha Baron Cohen’s Bruno movie.

Although the country’s government-controlled National Film Censorship Board gave no reason for rejecting the film, it is likely to be for its sexually explicit scenes and vulgar language.

An unnamed official from the censorship board has been quoted as saying: ‘It's banned because the story is based on gay life ... There are a lot of sex scenes. It's contrary to our culture.’

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, with gay sex punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

However Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim urged the censors to take another look at the film, saying: ‘The board should allow realism to be portrayed’.

Baron Cohen’s previous movie Borat was also banned in Malaysia, as was Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and an episode of Seinfeld in which George abstains from sex, making him smarter.

Bruno has also been prohibited in the Ukraine, Lebanon and Bahamas.

Published: 28 Sep 2009