Question Mark Over Guideline Against Entertainment Shows On Muslim Holidays

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A guideline by Puspal, the agency that vets foreign artistes, prohibits entertainment concerts during Muslim holidays. (Reuters pic)PETALING JAYA: Questions have been raised about a little known guideline prohibiting concerts on important Muslim holidays, after organisers were forced to reschedule a show featuring a veteran south Indian singer on Aug 31 because it would be on the eve of the Awal Muharram celebrations
This comes after it emerged that an agency under the communications and multimedia ministry took the advice of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), which said the concert by SP Balasubrahmanyam should not be held after sunset on Aug 31 when the Islamic calendar begins
But a quick check revealed that many entertainment shows have not been affected by the guideline prepared by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal), which vets and approves permits for concerts featuring foreign performers
The guideline says no entertainment concerts will be allowed on days of Islamic celebrations
Puspal had cited the guideline to Raaghav Productions, the organiser of SP Bala’s Aug 31 concert, as a condition for permit approval
However, in Genting Highlands, Malaysia’s premier entertainment resort, a concert by Taiwanese singer Ronald Cheng to be held at 8.30pm on Aug 31 will proceed
In Kuala Lumpur, a comedy show called “The POMPuan Show” will be staged at 8.30pm on Aug 31
On the same evening, Dutch deejay Mike Williams will feature in a special Merdeka show at the Dragonfly.KL night club in Kuala Lumpur
In Penang, the Music Festival 2019 concert kicks off in Tanjung Bungah at midnight on Sept 1
FMT is contacting Puspal over the matter. - FMT

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