IN diverse Malaysia, it appears that a red line is likely to be crossed these days, particularly in areas of religion as well as race.
The Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council reportedly ordered the Guan Di Temple in the vicinity to halt any performances involving female singers during a celebration event held between July 29 and August 2.
The directive that was issued constitutes an infringement of non-Muslims’ freedom of religion, particularly affecting Buddhists and Taoists.
The faithful concerned, be they male or female, ought to exercise the right to practise their religion in a manner they – and not others outside of their faith community – consider apt and important.
To insist on intervening in their religious affairs, which the local council did, is disrespectful, if not “profane”.
In the face of public criticism, Terengganu executive council member Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, who is chairman of the health, housing and local government committee, argued that the restriction was imposed because the performance was held in an open space accessible to all, including Muslims.
Hence, this begs the question, why would a restriction be imposed simply because there was likely to be Muslim onlookers?
Imposing constraints on the event organisers for this reason doesn’t reflect well on the state of faith of Muslims in Terengganu particularly and Malaysia generally.
Is the faith of the Muslims too fragile for them to even have a passing glance at the women’s performance in the temple ground?
Moreover, the Muslims have the option of not taking a peek at the performing women, let alone physically attending the ceremony that they were not invited to.
To put this controversy in a wider context, the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is observed by Buddhists and Taoists, is often celebrated in an open space in such places as Penang, where almost all passers-by could get a glimpse of the performances.
In Penang, no Muslims have so far been reportedly “haunted” by the women participating in the Hungry Ghost performances.
source https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/486348
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