KUALA LUMPUR – PAS again decries the participation of Muslims in the coming Bon Odori Festival in Selangor, saying the state government should take stern action against employers who compel their staff to be involved in the event.
Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi said the state government needs to assert its authority regarding the involvement of Muslims in the festival.
“This does not mean that we prevent others from celebrating, but the involvement of Muslims should be curtailed.
“If employers require the presence of Muslim workers to be involved, then the government must take action against the employers,” he said in a statement last night.
He added that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has found that the festival has religious elements and advised Muslim against participating.
He also cited Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, who earlier said that the festival has religious elements and Muslims should maintain the purity of their faith.
Yunus’ statement echoed those made by his party’s Ulama Council and women’s wing on discouraging Muslims from participating in the Bon Odori Festival, given the view that the event still has elements of Buddhist rituals.
This is seen as contrary to 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.
He had said he does not want the religious affairs minister to use Jakim to issue confusing and inaccurate statements that will undermine the department’s image and reputation.
Meanwhile, Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, popularly known as Dr Maza, has suggested that the Bon Odori festival to be held in Malaysia change its name to “avoid confusion”.
He said the name change will avoid confusing the event with the original Japanese celebration that has “elements of syirik (idolatry) and khurafat (superstition)”.
“The event can instead be called a Japanese cultural or community festival,” he said.
On Monday, Idris was reported by Bernama as advising Muslims not to participate in the Bon Odori festival to be held at the Shah Alam Sports Complex.
“A study conducted by Jakim found that the festival does have religious elements, so we advise Muslims not to participate in it.
“Jakim as the coordinating party (of Islam in the country) advises Muslims not to participate in programmes like this or any programme that could affect our religion and beliefs.” – The Vibes, June 11, 2022
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