T’ganu Exco: Female Performers Barred from Chinese Temple Event Because “passersby can see”

Recently, the Terengganu state government decided to bar female performers from participating in an event at a Chinese temple, as the event was being held in an open space, in view of passersby.

Due to the attention this move has received, the Chairman of Terengganu State Local Government, Housing & Health Committee, Ustaz Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, has decided to explain the decision.

Taking to his Facebook page, he explained that gender-segregated performances are exempted for non-Muslims in Terengganu, but due to the temple’s event being held in an open space within the temple grounds, Muslim community members who are passing by might be able to see it. Hence the decision to bar female performers.

Here’s where it all started.

The Terengganu authorities had initially received an application from the Kwan Tee Than Temple Supporters Association for a permit for a religious ceremony and performance of singing, cultural dances and art. The event was in conjunction with the temple’s anniversary.

“The council approved the application subject to the conditions that need to be adhered to by the Kwan Tee Than Temple Supporters Association, including for the performances of singing, cultural dances and art, which must follow the Terengganu State Entertainment Guidelines,”

“Based on the guidelines, singing, cultural dances and art performances involving female performers are only allowed for female audiences. However, exceptions are given to performances by male and female performers for non-Muslim audiences,” he wrote.

This image is for illustration purposes only.

However, the performances were to be held in an open space within the temple grounds.

“Since the singing, cultural dances and art performances requested by the Kwan Tee Than Temple Supporters Association involve male and female spectators in an open tent in an open area on the temple grounds, where passersby can see the performances,”

“These kind of performances are not considered to be specifically for non-Muslims and the implementation for the general guidelines for barring female performers is applicable.”

He also explains that all organisations must adhere to the guidelines. 

“I would like to state that the Terengganu state government has never prevented any party from any organisation representing various segments whether cultural, heritage, religious and others to hold their programs as long as they follow the guidelines set by the government,” he added.

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

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