KUALA LUMPUR – PAS is doubling down on discouraging Muslims from participating in the Bon Odori Festival given the view that the event still has elements of Buddhist rituals.
This comes after Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s warning that he does not want certain parties, especially politicians, to use issues linked to religious sensitivities for personal gain and popularity.
PAS Ulama Council and its women’s wing are in support of religious affairs minister Datuk Idris Ahmad.
“The excuse that it is Japanese culture does not carry enough merit for consideration. The Ulama Council suggests that the Kelantan government not list the Bon Odori dance as a cultural performance in the Kelantan-Japan Cultural Festival 2022 that was held last May. This is after it was being identified as having religious elements that can damage akidah (faith).
“The Ulama Council urges Muslims to take note of the Bon Odori Festival and to not participate in it. The advice given by the minister of religious affairs is clearly based on the interests of the people.
“In addition, the authoritative religious bodies in the country should have a discourse on the festivals in and outside the country that have to do with religious elements. It needs to be curbed constructively for the good of the Muslim community,” it added in a statement issued by Senator Datuk Ahmad Yahya last night.
Meanwhile, the Islamist party’s women wing issued a reminder cautioning Muslims in Malaysia to be wary of celebrating other festivals as they may have religious elements.
In support of the minister and PAS member Idris, the wing said “the Bon Odori is believed to be a Buddhist festival to pay respects to ancestors”.
“Japanese people celebrate the festival by returning to their hometowns and cleaning the graves of their ancestors and visiting the altars belonging to the families. This custom has been practised since 500 to 600 years ago involving a dance called the Bon dance (Bon Odori).
“This means it is a festival with religious elements, so Muslims are advised to avoid joining the festival to protect their ‘akidah’.”
In the statement issued by the wing’s information chief Najihatussalehah Ahmad, it added that Idris’ advice should be taken positively, especially after it was “explained that the festival has elements of Buddhism”.
Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin said he does not want the minister to use the Malaysian Islamic Development Department to issue confusing and inaccurate statements that will undermine the department’s image and reputation.
This is his second statement in two days amid the brouhaha over Muslims not being encouraged to attend the annual Japanese festival.
In his statement on Facebook, the sultan also shared two photos of him launching the festival in 2016, accompanied by then Japan ambassador to Malaysia, Makio Miyagawa.
He reiterated that the Bon Odori Festival is a cultural celebration and has been celebrated in Malaysia for decades. – The Vibes, June 10, 2022
