*Muhammad Raqib bin Mohd Sofian, Firly Annisa, Frizki Yulianti Nurnisya, Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri, Muhamad Zaki Mustafa, Mohd Yahya Mohd Ariffin

Abstract:

This paper examines how the controversial Malaysian film Mentega Terbang constructs alternative representations of Islam and challenges dominant religious discourses within the Malaysian socio-cultural context. In Malaysia, Islam occupies a central position in public life, with state institutions playing an important role in regulating religious interpretation and discourse. Within this environment, Mentega Terbang generated significant public debate due to its engagement with sensitive religious themes. While discussions have largely focused on the controversy surrounding the film, limited scholarly attention has been given to how it constructs meaning through its narrative and cinematic strategies. Drawing upon the concepts of hegemony, counter-hegemony and media representation, this study employed qualitative narrative analysis to examine the film’s storyline, character development, dialogue, symbolism, and visual construction.

Keywords: Mentega Terbang, hegemony, status quo, Islamic representation, Malaysian film