Recently, the Terengganu state government representative explained that they decided to bar female performers from performing at a Chinese temple ceremony due to the event being held in an open space within the temple grounds, as Muslim passersby would be able to see the performances.
This is in relation to gender segregation guidelines for Muslim community members in the state.
Now, DAP chairman, Lim Guan Eng, is condemning the decision, calling it an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
Taking to his Twitter page to share his statement on this matter, he wrote, “Non-Muslims will not only feel discriminated against by the PAS Terengganu government but also that their fundamental constitutional right to freedom of religion has been infringed.”
“State executive councillor Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the directive was sent to the Guan Di temple association, prohibiting female singers from performing at the temple’s jubilee celebration, due to the event taking place in an open space.”
Bringing up PAS Terengganu’s previous promises to not disrupt, interfere or restrict the religious practices of non-Muslims, he emphasised that their ban on female performers for male audiences is exempted for non-Muslims.
“However, PAS’ restriction on entertainment for religious celebrations for the Guan Di Temple clearly shows otherwise,”
“Wan’s justification is ridiculous because this is a temple event involving only non-Muslims. No Muslims have been invited to attend and no Muslims would attend on their own accord in a PAS-controlled state that rigorously applies their strict moral code,” he said.
He added that the move to bar female performers from non-Muslim male crowds is an infringement of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which grants every person the right to profess and practice his or her religion.
Lim Guan Eng isn’t the only one who spoke up about this as DAP Vice President, Teresa Kok, shared similar sentiments on her Facebook page.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Former Law Minister Condemns Kelantan’s Ban on Entertainment & Music on Thursday Nights
