Celebrate diversity, positive impact of Bon Odori, says Salleh

 

Salleh Said Keruak says any decision to restrict or prohibit Muslim participation in the Bon Odori celebration should not be made in a hurry. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Bon Odori festival should be looked at as a celebration of diversity, says former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak.

In a Facebook post today, Salleh said he supported the call by Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for the state Islamic religious department (Jais) to allow the festival, scheduled to be held at Shah Alam on July 16, to proceed.

“We should look at this cultural programme from a different angle – its positive impact on society,” he said.

“The decision to restrict or prohibit Muslim participation should not be made in a hurry. Let us celebrate diversity and not make reckless decisions.”

Salleh, who was also a former federal minister, urged officers from Jais and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to attend the festival to see for themselves what it was all about.

Earlier, religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad had advised Muslims not to take part in the festival which he claimed was “influenced by elements of other religions”, following research by Jakim, the Islamic development department.

The annual Bon Odori summer festival, organised by the Japanese community in Malaysia, is making a return after a two-year hiatus because of Covid-19. It will also be held in Penang on July 30.

The festival showcases Japanese culture and includes drum performances and the Bon Odori dance. - FMT