KUALA LUMPUR – A Chinese temple’s jubilee celebration in Kuala Terengganu was made to comply with the state law prohibiting female performers as its event was conducted in an open space, clarified a state executive councillor.
In a Facebook post, PAS’ Wakaf Mempelam assemblyman Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, who oversees local councils, cited the Kuala Terengganu City Council guidelines which state that an exemption on the ban can only be granted if the audience is non-Muslim.
However, the Guan Di Temple’s event was held in a space within its compound where other people, including Muslims, could have also seen the acts.
“The singing, cultural dance and art performances (permit) requested by the Guan Di Temple Supporters’ Association involved male and female audiences under a tent in an open space on the temple’s premises where passers-by can see the performances.
“As such, the performances could not be considered exclusively for non-Muslim and the general guidelines banning female performers apply.”
Stressing that the PAS-led state government does not forbid any programmes which abide by guidelines, he said the application of the rule does not discriminate against any quarter.
DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok previously urged the state administration to clarify allegations that women have been prohibited from performing at Chinese temples in the state.
The Seputeh MP referenced an August 3 report from China Press, which suggested that the organising committee of the Guan Di Temple’s jubilee celebration had received “new instructions” from the Kuala Terengganu City Council.
She added that while the state government had 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. – August 5, 2024