Malaysia Muslims Call for Ban on 'Evan Almighty' Film
Muslims in Malaysia have called for the blockbuster movie "Evan Almighty" to be banned in the country, saying it offends their religion.
Local media has reported that Malaysia's Muslim Consumers Association (MMCA) said the comedy, which plays on the story of Noah's ark and features actor Morgan Freeman as God, was insulting to Islam.
MMCA secretary-general Maamor Osman explained: "The movie refers to the big flood during the time of Prophet Noah, but this has been turned into a comedy which is insulting to Islam."
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Although Islam does not accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God, its adherents do recognize many of the figures recorded in the Bible, including Moses, Abraham, Noah, and Jesus – whom they regard as prophets.
"Featuring a human being as God in the movie is also against Islam," Osman added.
The latest outcry was expected, as "Bruce Almighty," the prequel to "Evan Almighty," was also banned from cinemas in the country following protests by the country's Muslim population.
"Bruce Almighty," however, was eventually approved by censors in the country, and did later appear on television and also on DVD in the region.
The comedy "Evan Almighty," which is scheduled to show in Malaysian cinemas beginning Aug. 23, tells the story of a U.S. Congressman who is ordered by God to build the ark, and follows similar lines to the story of Noah and the Ark from the book of Genesis in the Bible.
Malaysia has also previously banned Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" from cinema release.
