Saturday July 19, 2008
Bid to ensure temple concert watched only by non-Muslims
By IAN MCINTYRE
PASIR MAS: Organisers of a concert held as part of the celebrations at a small Taoist temple here were told to “cover up” so that the shows were only watched by non-Muslims.
Apparently, some Muslim men and women had been seen among the audience on Tuesday, the first night of the two-day concert with male and female artistes, and the district council was informed about it.
On Wednesday night, the council sent officers to prevent Muslims from watching the shows and told the organisers to put up a curtain to block the view of passers-by.
The event, to celebrate the birthday of the Gods, was held with an outdoor community concert organised by members of the Tao Tin Hu Keng Association.
MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who was here for another function, said some people would interpret the action of the council as distasteful as it was only a two-day religious festival.
He said many such events were held at temples previously and no action were taken by the authorities.
In the incident, although the organisers received a permit, the local council found that they were flouting guidelines by allowing Muslims to view performances by female artistes, some of whom were “sexily” dressed.
Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the guidelines on outdoor performances clearly stated that female artistes were barred from performing. He said that although the concert was within the temple compound, it was held in an open space where others could watch.
He said any permit given by the local authorities were subjected to the same bylaws and should be respected by all.
State Gerakan chairman Datuk Ng Chiang Chin, whose house is in front of the temple, said it was the second time that a religious celebration at a temple was disrupted.
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