Female singers ban systematically denies women's rights in T'ganu: MP

Female singers ban systematically denies women's rights in T'ganu: MP

Published: Aug 4, 2024 6:53 PM


Another DAP lawmaker has slammed the Terengganu government over its directive prohibiting female singers from performing on stage in the state.

This comes after a report claiming that the Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council had ordered the Guan Di Temple to stop having female singers perform during a celebration event held between July 29 and Aug 2.

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng criticised the policy, asserting that it has systematically denied women’s rights, including those of all races and faiths, in the PAS-led state.

“This ban appears to prevent women, including those who are non-Muslim, from participating in cultural and artistic activities.

“It also appears to deny women the right to work as singers in non-Muslim programmes,” Lim said in a statement today.

Yesterday, China Press claimed that the temple received a written instruction from the local government prohibiting female singers from performing on stage.

It was alleged that the Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council added a new provision in its permit for entertainment performances to prohibit female singers.

Subsequently, DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok criticised the new directive as it was also extended to non-Muslim performers.

“These recent years have seen the PAS-led Terengganu government introducing a series of policies and laws that are influenced by religious belief, including enforcing separation of men and women at stadiums.

“However, such rules that are based on Islam should not have been enforced on the non-Muslim communities, especially when it comes to Taoist and Buddhist religious celebrations,” the Seputeh MP was reported as saying.

DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok


Affecting the economy

Lim pointed out that preventing women’s participation in such activities may have adverse effects on the economy, particularly in poorer states.

“PAS had also promised not to interfere in matters related to the beliefs and culture of the non-Muslims.

“Is PAS discriminating against women in the cultural and artistic performances sector?

“It’s important for PAS to provide a detailed justification for this policy, addressing its social and economic impact as well as its religious basis. Malaysians have the right to know,” the Kepong MP added.