PETALING JAYA: Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has advised event organisers to cancel any programme that may touch on Muslim sensitivities in light of Ramadan, which is expected to begin tomorrow.
Commenting on a performance by Thai men in lingerie which a bar in Kuala Lumpur has planned for March 30, Saifuddin said the event’s organisers must have “mutual respect” for those living in a multicultural society, adding that they should also be aware of the other communities’ sensitivities.
“The reaction from the public is clear. It is best if such events do not go ahead as they could create uneasiness, (especially) as Muslims worldwide welcome this holy month (Ramadan),” he said during a press conference here today.
“It is everyone’s duty to honour this holy month and take the opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and respect, and not enter sensitive territory.”
He said the ministry will first establish the facts of the case before deciding whether to take action against the organisers.
Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh said the wing will be lodging a police report about the event, which PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Bersatu’s Badrul Hisham Shaharin, or better known as Chegubard, have also condemned.
In its Facebook page, Privacy Tun Razak describes itself as a bar. According to promotional material, the highlight of the bar’s launch on March 30 is a performance by Thai men in lingerie called “Thai Hot Guy”. However, the poster advertising the “Thai Hot Guy” event was not found on the club’s Facebook or Instagram page today.
Earlier, an aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the venue does not have an entertainment licence.
Anwar’s political secretary, Azman Abidin, said he was informed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) that the bar has not applied for an entertainment licence or for permission to carry out entertainment activities.
Azman said the venue was licensed as a restaurant to Beijing 9 Sdn Bhd, but its restaurant licence expired in February 2021.
DBKL said it will issue a statement on the matter.
