A Songkran festival in Batu Ferringhi, Penang has ignited a brief argument in the state assembly today, as PAS’ Mohd Yusni Mat Piah described the event as a ‘manipulation of the Songkran celebration’ by the event organiser, and called the event poster ‘indecent’. Screengrabs from a promotional video by the organiser. – @ferringhiheartbeachclub Instagram pic, May 20, 2025
‘Not our culture? Not your call’: Penang Songkran festival sparks argument in state assembly
Govt backbenchers rap PAS rep for calling viral private Songkran music festival held in Batu Ferringhi last month and its poster ‘indecent, improper’
R. Dineskumar
Updated 3 hours ago
20 May, 2025
7:24 PM MYT
‘Not our culture? Not your call’: Penang Songkran festival sparks argument in state assembly
Govt backbenchers rap PAS rep for calling viral private Songkran music festival held in Batu Ferringhi last month and its poster ‘indecent, improper’
R. Dineskumar
Updated 3 hours ago
20 May, 2025
7:24 PM MYT
GEORGE TOWN – The controversy surrounding a private Songkran music festival held in Batu Ferringhi last month has entered the state assembly, as a brief argument broke out between a PAS assemblyman and several backbenchers over whether such an event is part of Malaysian culture.
Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (Penaga-PN), who raised the issue, criticised what he described as the “manipulation of the Songkran celebration” by the event organiser, who, according to him, ran it in a way that did not reflect the spirit of the celebration.
He also criticised the event’s promotional poster, which he said was indecent as it portrayed “scantily dressed” women.
Yusni pointed out that other states like Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu – all led by PAS – held their own Songkran events with no issue.
“This is not our culture. This is not the culture of the Malays, or the Chinese and Indians,” Yusni said.
His comments drew an interjection from Gooi Hsiao Leung (Bukit Tengah–PH), who noted that the event was privately held at the beach, where people would attend in swimsuits.
Gooi also said the promotional poster, shown by Yusni in the state assembly, was not provocative at all, and asked the PAS representative not to mislead the chamber.
“You uttered the words like ‘indecent’, ‘improper’ and ‘nude’ as if Penang is a sex-crazed, party-crazed state. Don’t try to inflame this issue for political purposes and play with racial sentiments,” Gooi said sternly.
In response, Yusni repeated that the private Songkran event was not reflective of any Malay or non-Malay culture.
Gooi then responded: “Penangites have been wearing like this for a long time with no issue at all.”
Meanwhile, Chee Yee Keen (Bagan Jermal–PH) said: “That is not for you to say. This is just a celebration.
“What kind of perception are you trying to make? Give a good perception here (instead) of constantly playing this issue.”
Other backbenchers also pressed Yusni to explain what was so offensive about the poster, after Gooi pointed out that there was nothing controversial about it.
The situation was eventually calmed by Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz (Bayan Lepas–PH).
Penang PAS had previously described the two-day Songkran music event as “indecent”. Its information chief, Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, had reportedly urged the state government to ban the event organised by the Ferringhi Heart Beach Club Malaysia.
Fawwaz, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP, claimed the event promoted activities that were “indecent” and undermined Islamic values.
He said “hedonism that crosses cultural boundaries and disregards decorum” should be banned.
The event went viral after some women were seen dancing while scantily dressed, which was condemned as an “immoral act” that tarnished the country’s image and offended the religious and cultural sensitivities of the local community. – May 20, 2025
Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (Penaga-PN), who raised the issue, criticised what he described as the “manipulation of the Songkran celebration” by the event organiser, who, according to him, ran it in a way that did not reflect the spirit of the celebration.
He also criticised the event’s promotional poster, which he said was indecent as it portrayed “scantily dressed” women.
Yusni pointed out that other states like Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu – all led by PAS – held their own Songkran events with no issue.
“This is not our culture. This is not the culture of the Malays, or the Chinese and Indians,” Yusni said.
His comments drew an interjection from Gooi Hsiao Leung (Bukit Tengah–PH), who noted that the event was privately held at the beach, where people would attend in swimsuits.
Gooi also said the promotional poster, shown by Yusni in the state assembly, was not provocative at all, and asked the PAS representative not to mislead the chamber.
“You uttered the words like ‘indecent’, ‘improper’ and ‘nude’ as if Penang is a sex-crazed, party-crazed state. Don’t try to inflame this issue for political purposes and play with racial sentiments,” Gooi said sternly.
In response, Yusni repeated that the private Songkran event was not reflective of any Malay or non-Malay culture.
Gooi then responded: “Penangites have been wearing like this for a long time with no issue at all.”
Meanwhile, Chee Yee Keen (Bagan Jermal–PH) said: “That is not for you to say. This is just a celebration.
“What kind of perception are you trying to make? Give a good perception here (instead) of constantly playing this issue.”
Other backbenchers also pressed Yusni to explain what was so offensive about the poster, after Gooi pointed out that there was nothing controversial about it.
The situation was eventually calmed by Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz (Bayan Lepas–PH).
Penang PAS had previously described the two-day Songkran music event as “indecent”. Its information chief, Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, had reportedly urged the state government to ban the event organised by the Ferringhi Heart Beach Club Malaysia.
Fawwaz, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP, claimed the event promoted activities that were “indecent” and undermined Islamic values.
He said “hedonism that crosses cultural boundaries and disregards decorum” should be banned.
The event went viral after some women were seen dancing while scantily dressed, which was condemned as an “immoral act” that tarnished the country’s image and offended the religious and cultural sensitivities of the local community. – May 20, 2025
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kt comments:
I dread the day these lebais rule this country - will be the painful end of us
The 3R extremeliats are already 3/4 of the way to taking over Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteAnwar Madani dances to their tune