Removing statues at private theme park unlawful, says Art Harun

Activist-lawyer says park is on private land and the developer need not get approval from the mufti or any religious council.

PETALING JAYA: Activist-lawyer Azhar Harun says the issue over the Kulim district office calling for the removal of 20 statues from a Bali-theme park is ridiculous.

He said the developer just needs a business licence and permit for the theme park and is not required to get any approval from a mufti or ulama, let alone the state religious authority.

“There seems to be a terrible confusion between religious beliefs and administration of the state here,” Azhar told FMT.

The Kulim district office has given Sept 30 as the deadline for ECK Sdn Bhd to remove 20 statues, described as inappropriate, from a Bali-theme park at Taman MBI Desaku in Padang Meha.

Kulim district officer Mohamad Che Nai said the decision was taken in a meeting following the removal of several statues erected in the park.

Che Nai had also instructed the developer to provide the district office with a written list of the statues and new ones which they plan to build for submission to the state mufti for consideration on their suitability.

Azhar, who is popularly known as Art Harun, said the developer does not need the green light from the mufti, ulama or whatever religious council on whatever statues the developer wishes to erect in its theme park.

“It is becoming ridiculous. They don’t know how to differentiate between carrying out their duties in accordance with the law in the country and with rules and regulations.”

Last Tuesday, the district office ordered the closure of the theme park and removal of two female-winged statues following complaints lodged by some quarters who were apparently uncomfortable with the display of “angel-like” figures there.

Azhar said if the people were uncomfortable with the statues, the answer is simple.

“I mean, if anyone is not happy with the statues, just don’t go there.

“It is private land, even more so if you have to buy a ticket and go inside. Then don’t go,” he said.

The unique park developed by the company had attracted visitors with displays of more than 30 figures and sculptures of numerous sizes, such as characters like “Optimus Prime” from the Transformers movie, Spiderman and Snow White.

Last year, the iconic eagle statue in Pulau Langkawi had also been scrutinised after some claimed it was “haram”.

The issue became a hot topic after a comment by Perak’s deputy mufti Zamri Hashim, who said that it was forbidden in Islam to make full-bodied statues of living creatures. - FMT