[UPDATED] Why not take a look at Bon Odori yourself, Selangor sultan tells Idris

KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has suggested that religious affairs minister Datuk Idris Ahmad attend the Bon Odori festival to see for himself the difference between culture and religion.

The sultan added that he does not want the minister to use the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) 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.

Sultan Sharafuddin added that he does not want certain parties, especially politicians, to use issues linked to religious sensitivities for personal gain and popularity.

He urged them to not arbitrarily label something as negative without conducting an in-depth study and should be fair when making public statements that could affect national harmony.

He reiterated that the Bon Odori Festival is a cultural celebration and has been celebrated in Malaysia for decades.

“Bon Odori, especially in Selangor, is celebrated to strengthen the goodwill between Malaysians and the Japanese community in the country.

“The festival became popular when many Japanese companies invested and opened their factories in Selangor. Thus, Bon Odori became a platform to introduce Japanese culture and foster ties between the people of the two countries.”

He again ordered officers from Jais and the Shah Alam City Council to attend the programme to see for themselves what happens during the event.

He added that he himself has in the past attended the annual event and did not find anything there that can corrupt the faith of Muslims.

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.

He said the festival contains elements of other religions.

“A study conducted by Jakim found that the festival does have religious elements, so we advise Muslims not to participate in it.”

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.” – The Vibes, June 9, 2022