KUALA LUMPUR – The sultan of Selangor wants the state’s main Islamic body to not take a stand against the Japanese festival of Bon Odori, or to take any action to prevent its celebration locally.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also decreed that the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) not obstruct anyone from attending the event.
Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said in a statement today that this was conveyed to him when he appeared before the sultan at 2.30pm after being summoned to Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam.
The Bon Odori programme is scheduled to be held at the Shah Alam Sports Complex in Shah Alam on July 16.
“Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku does not consent to any decision or stance on a matter such as this which is concluded in haste without in-depth study and analysis,” Shahzihan said.
“His Majesty is of the opinion that there are many cultures that have links with religion, but it is not necessarily so that the religion (aspect) is present in the culture.”
On Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad was reported by Bernama as advising Muslims not to participate in the Bon Odori festival to be held at the Shah Alam Sports Complex.
He said the festival contains elements of other religions.
“A study conducted by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) found that the festival does have religious elements, so we advise Muslims not to participate in it,” he said.
Idris said that the authorities hoped that the festival would not bring about confusion.
“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,” he added.
Sultan Sharafuddin also ordered officers from Jais and the Shah Alam City Council to attend the programme to see for themselves what happens during the event.
Shahzihan said that the sultan himself has in the past attended the annual event and did not find anything there that can corrupt the faith of Muslims.
The programme, it was noted, is organised as a social occasion by workers of the numerous Japanese-owned companies in the state.
“In order to have a just attitude in making a decision and coming to a resolution on any stand, what more with the diverse communal lifestyles and beliefs, especially in Selangor, His Majesty decreed that all matters must be decided justly and equitably,” Shahzihan said.
He added that the sultan emphasised that practising something is different from the act of observing.
His Majesty is not worried about Muslims having their conviction and practices waylaid against Sunni beliefs if their faith is strong and genuine, he said. – The Vibes, June 8, 2022
