Mat Kilau's Representation of the Sikh Community Draws Mixed Reactions from Malaysians

Set in 1892, the epic movie is loosely inspired by Mat Kilau, who defended Tanah Melayu by fighting against the British colonists before independence.

While the movie has achieved great success, it has drawn both negative and positive reactions from Malaysians. On one hand, it has breathed life into filming spots such as Kampung Telok Bakong, Bota, Perak by turning it into potential tourist destinations.

Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also encouraged the local Malay community to catch the film, saying, “I encourage the people of this nation, especially the Malays, to watch the movie for it to be an example and lesson on how a civilisation and nation could collapse in the event there is no unity and cooperation.”

Others such as United Nations affiliated organisation UNITED Sikhs Malaysia have given somewhat negative feedback about the movie by posting an online statement revealing how ‘turbaned-Sikhs who were British soldiers in the movie were portrayed to have laid hands on old folks, children, and helpless citizens’, something which is against the Sikh code of practice.

They further urged ‘the Malaysian Film Industry not to produce movies at the expense of hurting religious and racial sentiments’.

We checked out some reactions from netizens about the film which has poured in lately. One user commented under the UNITED Sikh’s Malaysia post saying “The culture of stepping over others at the expense of truth is becoming a norm in our multi racial country. Sad.”

Another chimed in by saying “It is a historical facts that Sikh, Gurkhas and few other races were used by British to oppressed any local uprising during their occupation. Fret not though, we already forget about the past. The movie is just what a movie is to many common folks.”

Some shared the same sentiment as the UNITED Sikhs Malaysia, who were unhappy about how some minorities such as Sikhs were portrayed:

Good on the producers for making an awesome movie , a great level up for Malaysian cinema.But shame on you'll for manipulating history and throwing minorities under the bus ; stepping on someone to elevate another, that's just wrong..

— Ca$h#R (@KSR_97Baba) July 4, 2022

Others urged movie watchers to take it with a pinch of salt:

We all know it's fiction.Don't take it personally.We know our history it's not abt race it's abt Malay freedom/independence fighters against the colonials.

— Islam☆Malaysia ??☆Cats☆AnwarIbrahimMYPM (@camancher2012) July 5, 2022

Others questioned how other races were portrayed:

Is it just me or was Mat Kilau kinda racist? Asal banyak indian people portraying the british punya guard? And whats with the chinese spy guy? I have so many questions

— morning glory (@thescarletryan) July 1, 2022

Some shared how the movie made them more interested in local history:

I think mat kilau movie made me wanting to know more and more about history of silat and our warriors that fought against british in the 18th century?

— Sy4bany (@sy4bany) July 5, 2022

My younger brothers watched Mat Kilau movie yesterday and now he go research about history Malaysia and British. I think that is very good, the impact this brought to nowadays generation. Malaysia should produce this kind of film more :D

— 迪妮 (@diniamrah) July 2, 2022

A Facebook user posted a detailed review of the film, saying ‘This film is reactionary, emotional and not suitable for Malaysian citizens, who are diverse’.

One user shared a good lesson about staying united as Malaysians:

After watching Mat Kilau movies.. They teach us especially kita ni anak orang melayu a lesson.. Jangan dengki, jangan aniaya, don't jump into conclusion... It's really quite sad as anak melayu...Our great grandfathers fought with these evil british who is trying to split us?

— Strawberryminttᴾʳᵒᵒᶠ ? (@strawberrymxnt) July 5, 2022

Have you headed to the cinema to catch the movie yourself? What are your thoughts?

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