PENANG PAS wants the national unity state government to disapprove the public permit for the proposed two-day Songkran (Thai New Year) concert for this weekend.
The privately organised event, which is a blend of music and cultural performances, has got on the wrong side of the Islamist party, which claims that such performances come across as indecent and undermining religious values.
"From our standpoint, such activities and public performances are unsuitable for the conservative society in Malaysia, said Penang PAS Information head Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan.
“We urge the relevant authorities, the state government, and the Penang Island City Council to disallow this event and to monitor and prevent other programmes that fail to meet proper standards, especially those that contain immoral elements,” he said in a statement.
The event, called the “Sonic Splash Songkran Music Beach Party”, is expected to be held from 4pm onwards on April 12 and 13 at a beach club along the Ferringhi tourism belt.
Tickets are being sold for adults as well as children aged three and above.
Fawwaz, who is Permatang Pauh MP, said that while the country and Islam do not forbid entertainment, such programmes must be organised in accordance with established guidelines and regulations.
He alleged that the PAS state chapter was disappointed over the promotion of the event, which had “hurt the feelings of many Malaysians”.
“Hedonism that crosses cultural boundaries and disregards decorum should not be permitted, let alone encouraged,” he added. - April 9, 2025.
