PAS' ulama wing has urged Muslims not to attend Bon Odori events in the country, a day after the Selangor ruler decreed that the state's Islamic authorities must not obstruct the event.
In a statement, wing leader Ahmad Yahya said although some view Bon Odori as strictly a Japanese cultural event, it does not discount views that the event contains elements of "Buddhist" rituals.
"This principle is in line with several statements from muftis, religious scholars and the Islamic affairs minister (Idris Ahmad).
"Therefore, the claim that (Bon Odori) was strictly a cultural event does not have enough merit," said Ahmad.
Ahmad said the PAS ulama wing also recommended that the Kelantan government de-list Bon Odori as a cultural event for the Kelantan-Japan Cultural Festival 2022.
The Kelantan-Japan Cultural Festival 2022 took place on June 4. It was officiated by deputy menteri besar Mohd Amar Abdullah, who is also the PAS vice-president.
The PAS ulama wing also urged religious bodies in the country to conduct further discussions on the types of festivals which may involve non-Islamic religions.
"It has to be addressed in a constructive manner in the public interest," said Ahmad.
Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah asked Idris to attend the Bon Odori event in Shah Alam next week.
This is after the sultan disagreed with the minister's view that the event was religious in nature and therefore advised Muslims not to attend.
"His Majesty suggests that the minister attend the Bon Odori celebration on July 16... so that he can understand the difference between religion and culture," the monarch said in a statement today.
The ruler, who attended the event in 2016, said it was purely cultural and did not involve religious or ritualistic elements which could threaten the faith of Muslims.
His Majesty also urged the minister not to use Jakim to cause confusion among the public.
"His Majesty does not want the minister to use Jakim's platform to create statements that are confusing, inaccurate, and can jeopardise Jakim's reputation," he said. - Mkini
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