KUALA LUMPUR – Representatives from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) presented the sole dissenting voice against concerts that feature Western artistes, during a meeting attended by various government agencies recently.
This was revealed by Datuk Idris Ahmad, minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic affairs, in explaining why such events are still approved by the government.
“I was told that only Jakim had strongly opposed (the Western concerts) while 15 other agencies supported such programmes,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia today after participating in the Ambang Merdeka 2022 event in Putrajaya at midnight.
As such, he denied allegations that Jakim has kept quiet on the matter.
He said that during a meeting of the Central Agencies Committee for Applications on Filming and Performances by Foreign Artistes, the department had been vocal in rejecting applications by Western artistes to perform here.
“We (Jakim) have tried our best from the very start… for the sake of Muslims as it (Western concerts) does not adhere to the entertainment guidelines established by Jakim,” said Idris, who is also PAS vice-president.
He dismissed claims that Jakim is unsupportive of the arts industry and overseas talents, asserting that the department has no qualms with performers – such as Islamic religious singers Maher Zain and Opick – who stick by set provisions.
Previously, American pop singer Billie Eilish’s performance at the Bukit Jalil stadium on August 18 had apparently drawn flak from certain quarters, with Idris reprimanding youths for being excited about such events.
While the minister did not specify Eilish’s concert, his Facebook post called for “all parties” to “repent and reflect on the disaster of the Covid-19 pandemic”, saying it came just three days after the concert.
His comments also echoed sentiments expressed by PAS Youth chief and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who had earlier said that the continuous hosting of concerts is “crazy work” that invites “God’s wrath”.
Subsequently, DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii slammed the remarks from PAS party leaders as being unconstructive and creating animosity among Malaysians.
He also challenged the party to “keluar dari tempurung (leave their bubbles)” and address real issues affecting citizens rather than trying to infringe on the rights of others that are protected under the federal constitution. – The Vibes, August 31, 2022
