Why should Sabah, Sarawak follow Jakim's EXTREMIST beat on concert rules - Api Api rep

KOTA KINABALU - New concert guidelines imposed by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should not be applicable in Sabah and Sarawak, said a Sabah state assemblyman.

Sabah newspaper Daily Express reported Api Api representative Christina Liew as saying that the stringent new rules would deter artistes and celebrities from performing in the country, but Sabah and Sarawak could stand to gain if the East Malaysian states were exempt.

“The two states could earn the revenue from becoming entertainment destinations for west Malaysians and even neighbouring countries whose citizens can take advantage of the budget flights,” the PKR assemblyman was quoted saying.

“Malaysia stands to lose out on a lot of profit from the entertainment industry if these rules are put into place. Performers will choose to go to other countries like Singapore and the Philippines instead,” said Liew.

Liew was also quoted as saying that local religious authorities here also have guidelines for concerts, but they are more tolerant and “not as extreme” as Jakim.

The new rules recently released by Jakim impose limitations on stage performances, dress and behaviour codes and gender segregation for attendees.

Christina Liew (left) said Malaysia stands to lose out on a lot of profit from the entertainment industry if these rules are put into place.

Aside from requiring the artiste to dress “decently” in attire that covers their “aurat”, the rules also stipulate that the performer should not have a criminal record, whether in a Shariah or civil court, and should maintain a “noble personality” and “good morals”, even outside the performance.

Liew, who is Kota Kinabalu PKR division chief, said that it was impractical of Jakim to impose such rules like gender segregation for the audience in concerts.

“It appears that Malaysia is retrogressing and not progressing while all this while, the government has been pushing for gender equality in the workplace,” said Liew.

Jakim director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said last Monday, however, that the department’s guidelines for the entertainment industry are merely voluntary. - Malay Mail