Dap Rep Asks Why Pas Allowed Bon Odori In Kelantan Back In 2018

---

 


DAP's Banting state assemblyperson Lau Weng San questioned the inconsistency of PAS, which allowed the Bon Odori dance in Kelantan four years ago but is now advising Muslims not to attend the Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam next month.
Lau said the Bon Odori dance was part of a cultural event held at the Dewan Jubli Perak Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bharu Bandaraya Islam in November 2018.
"This question (on the inconsistency) entered my mind as I once received a newsletter from the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, dated Oct 29, 2018, promoting the Kelantan Cultural Festival.
"The event was meant to highlight the unique culture of Kelantan and Japan. Among the Japanese culture and items showcased were Kokeshi dolls, calligraphy, furoshiki (the art of fabric wrapping), origami and 3D kirigami paper craft and the Bon Odori dance," he said in a statement today.
Lau asked why PAS had a problem with the Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam when it didn't have any issues in Kota Bharu four years ago.
"Isn't it true that Kelantan in 2018 was still helmed by PAS, where Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob and his deputy Mohd Amar Abdullah are not only key leaders in PAS but also hold senior positions in the syura council and PAS central leadership?" he asked.
Banting state assemblyperson Lau Weng SanLau said both PAS central leadership and in Selangor must clarify the inconsistency of their actions.
"If they fail to respond, this means the accusations and distorted remarks against Bon Odori are wrong, and people of all races and religions can attend the event as they used to do over the past years," he said.
Previously, Religious Affairs Minister Idris Ahmad told Muslims not to attend Bon Odori, claiming Jakim had researched Bon Odori and believed that the festival contained religious elements that could lead Muslims astray.
Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, however, disagreed with the minister's view that the event was religious in nature and asked Idris to attend the event himself.
His Majesty also urged the minister not to use Jakim to cause confusion among the public.
PAS ulama wing leader Ahmad Yahaya said although some view Bon Odori as strictly a Japanese cultural event, it does not discount views that the event contains elements of "Buddhist" rituals.
He added that the PAS ulama wing also recommended that the Kelantan government de-list Bon Odori as a cultural event for the Kelantan-Japan Cultural Festival 2022.
The Kelantan-Japan Cultural Festival 2022 took place on June 4. It was officiated by deputy menteri besar Mohd Amar Abdullah, who is also PAS vice-president. - Mkini

---