Karya Anggun, a subsidiary of Astro Shaw, announced this week the pre-production of a film based on the exploits of Botak Chin, with the working title of Botak.
Botak Chin, whose real name was Wong Swee Hin, and his gang went on a crime spree in the mid 70s in Kuala Lumpur. "Botak", in Malay, means "bald," but the guy was far from bald. In fact, he was known to be quite the charismatic charmer. He and his gang waged war against both the police and other gangs, but Botak was later cornered and shot six times by the cops. Miraculaously, he survived but was later sent to the gallows. It was one of the most high-profile cases in Malaysia, and "Botak Chin" became a household name for various reasons. The authorities have always been careful in vetting any attempts to glorify, or near-glorify, Botak, as during his trial, he claimed to be a modern-day Robin Hood.
The news that the film is currently in pre-production, with casting underway, has got the country in a buzz, especially after an English tabloid highlighted it. Many are waiting to see if the Home Ministry will approve the film. Amir Muhammad's documentary, The Last Communist, was at first approved by the Censorship Board but was later banned by the Home Ministry.
Karya Anggun is also producing Dukun, which is currently in its last stages of post-production. The film is allegedly based on the notorious Mona Fandey case, the modern-day shaman who, along with her accomplices, murdered a politician, whose body was decapitated, dismembered and skinned.
Dukun also caused much controversy, as it was claimed by the same English tabloid that the families of both the politician and Mona Fandey were not pleased about the film being made. But the producers have since denied that the film is based on that case.
At the moment, no release date has been set for Dukun.