DBKL suspends comedy club over controversial viral video
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Jalaluddin Alias has announced the license of an entertainment premise has been suspended while a controversial viral video in which a performer removes her hijab is being investigated.
“I note that many Muslims in this country feel uncomfortable and slighted by a viral video of a woman who was believed to be intentionally insulting the sanctity of Islam at a club in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
“I was also informed that the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department, through its enforcement division, has conducted a preliminary investigation, and the offences are liable for action under Act 559 of the Syariah Criminal Offenses Act (Federal Territories) 1997, Section 7, which if convicted may lead to a fine not exceeding RM3,000 imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both,” he said in a statement today.
Jalaluddin said that the police are also understood to have conducted an investigation through the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.
He said that investigation papers had been opened under Section 298A of the Penal Code, which covers action on religious matters that can cause an atmosphere of disharmony, division or enmity or malice.
“Investigations were also made in accordance with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 improper use of network facilities or network services,” he added.
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Jalaluddin Alias
This followed the actions of a woman who took off her headscarf and baju kurung on stage at a comedy club during an open mic performance.
The comedy club said it banned the woman and her partner from the venue immediately after her stand-up performance and proceeded to lodge a police report.
The deputy minister said that the issue has also drawn criticism from nearby residents and netizens who said that the viral video is clear and the acts appeared intended to insult and tarnish the image of Islam.
“Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has made further inquiries into the license of the premises in question and acted to temporarily suspend the operation of the premises as well,” he said.
He added that it was a clear message that the Federal Territories Ministry and DBKL will not tolerate any activity infringing on the sensitivity involving religion, race and national sovereignty.
“I hope such incidents will not happen again on any of the premises in the Federal Territories as well as throughout the country. Thus, enforcement operations will continue from time to time, in addition to people’s reports,” he said.
This followed the actions of a woman who took off her headscarf and baju kurung on stage at a comedy club during an open mic performance.
The comedy club said it banned the woman and her partner from the venue immediately after her stand-up performance and proceeded to lodge a police report.
The deputy minister said that the issue has also drawn criticism from nearby residents and netizens who said that the viral video is clear and the acts appeared intended to insult and tarnish the image of Islam.
“Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has made further inquiries into the license of the premises in question and acted to temporarily suspend the operation of the premises as well,” he said.
He added that it was a clear message that the Federal Territories Ministry and DBKL will not tolerate any activity infringing on the sensitivity involving religion, race and national sovereignty.
“I hope such incidents will not happen again on any of the premises in the Federal Territories as well as throughout the country. Thus, enforcement operations will continue from time to time, in addition to people’s reports,” he said.
What her piece of satire was getting at was actually pretty cogent and apt, but she totally misjudged what is acceptable and tolerable in Malaysia, especially any commentary touching on the behaviour of Muslims in the country.
ReplyDeleteShe not only got herself into trouble, but the organisation that hosted her, and others who use the club for their performances.
If only people are able to see it as satire regarding the behaviour of some Muslims , and not just rage at it as an insult on Islam as a religion.
Every day, there are jokes made about the behaviour and conduct of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews.. why Muslims are so FRAGILE that they are easily offended on commentary on their behaviour, condemning it as an insult against their religion.
I think she will be hanged or something near that.
ReplyDeleteThe usual liberal types will not defend her case, as DAP avoids any issues touching on mention of "Islam" like Kryptonite.