KUALA LUMPUR – Amid accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, PAS Youth has once again defended its chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari for recently watching Mat Kilau in a cinema, despite the party’s constant reminders that the venues are “forbidden” (haram).
In a statement, the party wing said it is not “haram terus” (completely forbidden) to watch movies, provided the storylines call for goodness, inviting curiosity about history and even nurturing patriotism.
“If the actors in a movie covered their ‘aurat’ and adhered to Islamic guidelines, then it is not forbidden.
“It is forbidden when you are sitting next to those who are not mahram (opposite sex who are not relatives), watching movies that have love elements, immorality and without values, or forgetting prayer times.”
It added that the 20 tickets to Mat Kilau were for men.
“No one sat next to any women.”
PAS Youth also defended the decision to ban cinemas in Kelantan, pointing to “unresolved” issues the party highlighted about cineplexes.
“We will agree (to have cinemas in the state) if cinema operators can segregate seats according to gender, avoid screening times during prayer hours and only show movies that adhere to Islamic guidelines.
“Take Terengganu, for example. It has cinemas that have segregated seats and screenings don’t clash with prayer times. We welcome that.”
The wing then shared an opinion by preacher Ahmad Muzani Abd Rahman, supporting his views on cinemas and movies, also mentioning that Mat Kilau did not have obscene scenes or sexy actors.
He lauded the decisions taken by the Kelantan and Terengganu governments on cinemas while slamming those that do not adhere to Islamic guidelines.
“I have two suggestions – either don’t go to cinemas, or don’t participate in any ‘haram’ activities while there.” – The Vibes, June 29, 2022