Jakim rules shouldn't apply here

Kota Kinabalu: It is hoped that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department's (Jakim) new guidelines for artistes and entertainers looking to perform in the country – with strict limitations imposed on their personality, dressing, behaviour and performances – will not be applicable to Sabah and Sarawak.Api Api Assemblywoman Christina Liew (pic) said that was not what Sabah and Sarawak wanted when the two East Malaysian states gained independence through the formation of Malaysia.

"If the numerous restrictions are put in place, the move will only deter concert groups from foreign countries from performing in Malaysia. That being the case, they may consider other countries like Singapore and the Philippines. So Malaysia will be on the losing end in terms of revenue from the entertainment industry.

"However, if the tightened rules on stage shows do not apply to Sabah and Sarawak, at least these concert groups can perform in Sabah and Sarawak, enabling the two states to gain revenue.

Kota Kinabalu and Kuching may even become the entertainment destinations for Peninsular Malaysians and even neighbouring countries whose citizens would take advantage of the budget flights to come.

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"While we may be more tolerant, the approving authorities here also have guidelines but these are not as 'extreme' as Jakim's," she said.

Liew, who is PKR Kota Kinabalu Division Chief, also found it impractical that Jakim should impose gender segregation for the audience at concerts and shows.

"It appears that Malaysia is retrogressing and not progressing when all this while, the Government has been pushing for gender equality and gender equity in the workplace," she said.

Jakim is clamping down on music and lyrics that have elements of "worship", which are considered sacred to believers of other religions. All performances must not go against the sensitivities of any religion and any race.

Artistes must possess "noble and good character", and must also be dressed modestly, without exposing parts of the body that cannot be exposed according to Islam, and must not wear any clothes that can lead to "exploitation" by the audience.

In addition, dressing, accessories and hairstyles must not resemble that of a different gender of the artiste while cross-dressing during any performances is also banned.

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The religious authority has also ruled that jokes made during performances must be appropriate and cannot lead to "excessive laughter".

On top of it, dance performances must not cause slander or lust and that men and women cannot perform in the same routine.

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