KUALA LUMPUR – The PAS-led Terengganu state government has been urged to clarify allegations that women have been prohibited from performing at Chinese temples, following reports of such restrictions.
DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok referenced a report from China Press published today, which suggested that the organising committee of the Guan Di Temple’s jubilee celebration had received “new instructions” from Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council.
In a statement, Kok noted these regulations include a ban on female singers performing at the event, which ran from July 29 to August 2.
“I request for the state government to explain if this ban on female singers (performing) is a new policy and whether restrictions on entertainment programmes now encompass non-Muslims, including their Taoist and Buddhist temples.”
The Seputeh MP noted that while the PAS state government has previously introduced religion-based regulations, such as gender segregation in stadiums, these “Islamic-based rules” should not affect non-Muslim communities or their places of worship.
“The implementation of such rules has created division among the community and damaged harmony within the state (as) any government policy should be inclusive and promote unity,” Kok asserted.
“PAS leaders have repeatedly said that all Islamic policies and laws will not be imposed on non-Muslims, but the ban on female singers performing at a temple celebration proves false their assurances.”
She criticised the alleged prohibition as unconstitutional and unlawful, urging the state government to revoke such policies out of respect for non-Muslim cultures and values. – August 3, 2024