Theatre actors detained in sedition probe on 2018 play 'mocking' Rukun Negara

Police have detained three actors as part of investigations into a 2018 theatre performance which allegedly mocked the Rukun Negara.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar reportedly said the three Malaysians, consisting of a man and two women, were detained in Selangor and Johor yesterday.

The suspects, aged between 28 and 47, have since been released on police bail. 

“Of the five actors identified, one has passed away, while another is believed to be in the United Kingdom based on immigration records,” the New Straits Times quoted Kumar (above) as saying in Kuala Lumpur today. 

Besides potential elements of sedition, he said police are also probing the incident under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities.

The theatre performance was staged in Penang in 2018, and no police reports were lodged against it at the time, he added.

Uncomfortable questions

The police probe came after a brief snippet of the performance, uploaded to Instagram by The Fever Kinetic Theatre Company in conjunction with Malaysia Day, made the rounds on social media.

The clip showed five actors, understood to be representing the various races in Malaysia, reciting the Rukun Negara while also issuing statements deemed racially insensitive.

In its post, which has since been deleted, the theatre company said the performance depicted in the clip “used the Rukun Negara as a mirror to confront our hypocrisy”.

“We asked uncomfortable questions about race, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to feel better about who we are. Theatre is supposed to be a space for truth. For discomfort. For the questions no one else wants to ask.

“But what happens when theatre itself becomes an echo chamber? When we only stage work that affirms what we already believe? When the audience is never challenged, only comforted?” the post’s caption added, according to screenshots circulated on social media.

The Fever Kinetic, an intercultural physical theatre group reportedly founded by a Malaysian choreographer, operates in both Malaysia and London.

'Clip taken out of context'

In a Sept 20 statement uploaded to its Instagram, the company said it is aware of the clip’s circulation, which it said has been taken out of context.

“We take the concerns raised seriously and are reviewing the matter carefully. We have engaged legal counsel to advise everyone, including members of our team. 

“We will provide an update if and when appropriate,” it noted. 

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus previously said an initial report against the clip was lodged at the Jalan Tun Razak Police Station on Sept 18. 

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