Turn a deaf ear to politicians singing the same tune on concerts

 

So it’s come to pass. Kedah has banned all outdoor musical concerts in the state. I had thought Kelantan would have been the first state to do so, so I guess congratulations to Kedah are in order then.

Now there’s pressure on the other PAS-controlled states to follow suit, or more likely, outdo this with something even more radical – perhaps banning even the mere mention of songs and dances altogether!

This ups the stake in Putrajaya too, where finely-tuned ears are waiting to jump on whatever convenient bandwagon is passing by. In the populists’ playbook, nothing is ruled out in pandering to the rakyat, or at least the noisy ones.

I’m probably being unfair to a large swathe of Malaysians by branding them as noisy without offering any proof. I could weakly chime in by saying “but you can hear how noisy they are!” However such an anecdotal claim won’t cut it in this data-driven age.

Neither do I have the data to prove the converse – that the majority of the rakyat are quietly OK with some singing and dancing. We could hold a referendum if it helps to settle the matter.

But asking people’s opinion is subversive to our elected leaders. It’s as dangerous as the idea that elected leaders are actually servants of the people whom they must diligently and faithfully serve according to their oath. So no, this won’t happen.

But if anybody does hold a referendum, I can predict the questions that will be posed to you and I.

Option A: I agree that musical concerts, whether local or foreign, should be banned because they’re a source of moral corruption and decadence in subtle and hidden ways that ordinary people can’t see. They subvert our culture and weaken us from within.

Option B: I don’t agree that musical concerts, whether local or foreign, should be banned even though they’re a source of moral corruption and decadence in subtle and hidden ways that ordinary people can’t see. They subvert our culture and weaken us from within.

It’ll be interesting to see the outcome. If recent referenda are any guide, the results would be in the high 90% for the option convenient for the party that sets the referendum.

Politics aside, I’ve always wondered why things like musical concerts are so anathema to religious fundamentalists, whether the local Malaysian variety or those of other religions the world over.

Here’s my take – the sight of people having fun at musical concerts is, err, disconcerting to such people! It’s not necessarily because they’re killjoys, though of course they are, but because of what it evokes in them.

They believe in a God who is severe and easily offended, which is not a reflection of God but rather a reflection of their own selves. Keeping to such an austere belief requires lots of energy and fierce self-control against many “temptations”.

The sight of people having fun and enjoying themselves, and not being struck dead by lightning, is very distressing to them.

They would have to threaten floods and other calamities as God’s punishment, which coincidentally already happens a lot, and often in their own states!

Those who believe differently –that songs and dances are not by themselves sinful – then become challengers who cannot be tolerated. These people are showing an independent streak that threatens their authority. They must be stopped.

Fundamentalists everywhere are very harsh with others for these reasons. They dare not entertain other points of view as such views may shake their own conviction and insinuate that they’re the ones who could be wrong.

It’s the same reason why they’re noisy. Continually shouting at the top of their lungs against their “enemies” spares them the quiet moments where such quiet doubts in their head may emerge and unnerve them.

It’s hard work holding up such harsh thoughts all the time. Apart from unending battles with others regarding who has the correct version of the faith, there are also internal battles within themselves, which are even more exhausting and draining.

I feel sorry for them. There’s a part of them that wants to open up and enjoy life, just like any other human beings, but there are strong walls already erected in their minds, likely built by their upbringing that prevent them from doing it.

They have a persecution complex, believing the whole world is arraigned against them whilst their own followers are weak and need protection. Given how often they tell their followers they’re weak and need protection, it’s no surprise this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy!

There are many bad things in the world, but enjoying music and dancing aren’t among them.

Equating them with decadence and hedonism is just a lazy way for some people to rationalise their own fears.

There’s more evidence that politics is more likely to corrupt you and others too.

In the coming general election, one wonders how will these politicians draw people to attend their campaign rallies now that singing and dancing are banned? While those in power can just throw money around, those who aren’t in power would have to rely on artistes and concerts to draw the crowd. In at least one state, now that’s no longer allowed.

So, it’s possible this isn’t about faith and beliefs, but rather about politics? Should we ban politics then? I suggest a referendum on the matter, and I have the questions ready:

Option A: We should ignore what politicians say.

Option B: See Option A. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.