Don't muddy waters over 'sexy' concert, chief priest pleads

 

The chief priest of a Buddhist temple in Bachok, Kelantan, is appealing to all quarters not to create racial divisions in the state.

Noting how the different races in the state are united, CM Chee said: “We hope all quarters will not muddy the waters which have been clear for so long.

“When the water becomes muddied, nobody can see anything. There is nothing to be achieved,” he added in a Facebook post.

He was responding to calls for action after a video of a concert held at Wat Pathumvihar went viral. The Nov 25 concert was in conjunction with the Loy Krathong festival.

Kelantan PKR Women was among those who condemned the concert, demanding the PAS-led state government to investigate the matter.

The wing’s chief Nor Azmiza Mamat claimed that based on the information it received, a Thai singer had performed at the concert and was accompanied by dancers in “sexy” outfits.

“I am worried this would become a bigger issue,” said Chee, adding that it could affect racial ties and cast the temple in a negative light.

For the youth

Disclosing that the Loy Krathong festival has been celebrated for the past 29 years at the temple, the priest said concerts help attract the youth to the temple.

“We welcome the youth because it allows them to mingle with the priests, learn about religious practices and participate in other activities. Apart from this, concerts provide entertainment and help ease the stress of day-to-day life,” he added.

Chee said these events, held within the safe confines of the temple, also teach young people how to interact with others and evaluate what is right and wrong.

“They will carry these experiences into the real world. For the Siamese community in Kelantan, the temple is also where they learn how to face life. We want to see Siamese children run alongside children of other races, not to be left behind,” he added.

Chee also expressed his appreciation to the state government for understanding the situation of the Siamese community and Buddhists in Kelantan.

“We in Kelantan are known for our spirit of unity and mutual respect despite having different viewpoints and religions,” he added.

Possible RM10k fine

Earlier, it was reported that the organiser of the concert could be slapped with a fine of up to RM10,000 for not adhering to the conditions.

State local government, housing, health and environment committee chairperson said the organiser had a permit, which stipulated that it should be a closed-door event for Buddhist devotees.

However, he added that the concert featured performers from Thailand who did not comply with the dress code and it allowed Muslims to attend. - Mkini