KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Government censors have approved the Malaysian release of Jim Carrey’s latest film, "Bruce Almighty," after briefly withholding it amid religious officials' objections that it trivialized the subject of God.
The comedy had been scheduled to open last Thursday in this mostly Muslim country, but the state-run Film Censorship Board decided to reconsider its earlier decision to approve the movie.
However, the government has now given the go-ahead for the film's release, The Star newspaper said Saturday, citing an unidentified government official. It didn't say when the film would open.
Censorship board officials couldn't be reached for comment.
In the movie, God gives Carrey's character, Bruce — a frustrated TV newscaster — all his powers for a limited time. Bruce seizes the opportunity to spice up his relationship with his girlfriend, get himself news scoops and humiliate a rival at work.
Movies screened in Malaysia must abide by a strict censorship code that forbids showing sex, graphic violence or the provocative handling of topics such as race and religion.
Abdul Hamid Zainal, Malaysia's Islamic affairs minister, said earlier that it was "not appropriate to show the film in this country."
"We cannot equate ourselves with God, even as a joke," he said.