The Kedah government has given the green light for the '1Malaysia Chinese New Year' cultural programme planned for Feb 15 in Alor Setar.
However, Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak insisted, the event organiser must ensure that the performers are decently attired.
"Every participant who performs on stage during the programme, whether a man or a woman, must be decently, not provocatively, dressed," Azizan said.
He said this in response to media reports that the programme would be banned if it did not follow the state's guidelines on public performances.
According to a circular issued to the press by the state executive councillor in charge of health, sports, youth, culture, arts, heritage and biotechnology, Hamdan Mohamed Khalib, the guidelines "can be altered" according to situation.
"What is more important is that the Pakatan Rakyat government is not arrogant and is not afraid to admit a mistake if it takes place," the guidelines say. "We are truly democratic and wish to be with the rakyat for what is good."
Several quarters have lambasted the state government for imposing harsh guidelines on the cultural programme, which also states that adult women are not allowed to perform in the event.
However, according to the guidelines, there was an "oversight" as the coming event is to be a public cultural performance.
However, Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak insisted, the event organiser must ensure that the performers are decently attired.
"Every participant who performs on stage during the programme, whether a man or a woman, must be decently, not provocatively, dressed," Azizan said.
He said this in response to media reports that the programme would be banned if it did not follow the state's guidelines on public performances.
According to a circular issued to the press by the state executive councillor in charge of health, sports, youth, culture, arts, heritage and biotechnology, Hamdan Mohamed Khalib, the guidelines "can be altered" according to situation.
"What is more important is that the Pakatan Rakyat government is not arrogant and is not afraid to admit a mistake if it takes place," the guidelines say. "We are truly democratic and wish to be with the rakyat for what is good."
Several quarters have lambasted the state government for imposing harsh guidelines on the cultural programme, which also states that adult women are not allowed to perform in the event.
However, according to the guidelines, there was an "oversight" as the coming event is to be a public cultural performance.
Controlling indiscreet performances
Meanwhile, Hamdan's office said that the guidelines are meant to control "indiscreet" performances which can lead to social problems, especially among the Malay Muslim youths.
"However, for cultural and religious programmes involving Chinese, Indian and Thais, some leeway is allowed according to the situation," said the two-page document.
"The guidelines can be issued in line with the requirements of the event as the state government will listen and accept the views of the communities for the good of all," the statement added.
It has been learnt that the organisers of the '1Malaysia Chinese New Year' programme did not seek discussions with Hamdan's (left)office after receiving the standard guidelines, but had instead raised the issue with MCA officials.
"Usually, event organisers would discuss with Hamdan, and some guidelines would be relaxed to make the programme successful, based on their needs and requirements," said a spokesperson from Hamdan's office.
Meanwhile, Hamdan's office said that the guidelines are meant to control "indiscreet" performances which can lead to social problems, especially among the Malay Muslim youths.
"However, for cultural and religious programmes involving Chinese, Indian and Thais, some leeway is allowed according to the situation," said the two-page document.
"The guidelines can be issued in line with the requirements of the event as the state government will listen and accept the views of the communities for the good of all," the statement added.
It has been learnt that the organisers of the '1Malaysia Chinese New Year' programme did not seek discussions with Hamdan's (left)office after receiving the standard guidelines, but had instead raised the issue with MCA officials."Usually, event organisers would discuss with Hamdan, and some guidelines would be relaxed to make the programme successful, based on their needs and requirements," said a spokesperson from Hamdan's office.
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