Northern Kedah state, which includes the popular resort island of Langkawi, decided in May to ban all entertainment during Ramazan next month, said an official from the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which runs the state.
However the plan drew criticism from entertainment outlet operators, as well as the party's opposition allies, who feared a blanket ban would alienate their non-Muslim voters.
The Kedah official said the controversy had been resolved after the state's chief minister met entertainment representatives Saturday and agreed to allow them to operate as long as they make sure no Muslims enter their premises."For Muslims, we have to make special treatment because nowadays too many youngsters are involved in hedonism... The state doesn't want that," he told AFP.
"Entertainment in Ramazan is only for non-Muslims."
The official said Islamic officials would enforce the rule across the state, monitoring its more than 300 bars, discos, karaoke lounges and other clubs.
PAS draws its main support from Muslim Malays, who account for 60 percent of the country's 28 million people, but it is allied with the secular ethnic Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Anwar Ibrahim's People's Justice Party.
Spats between PAS and DAP over pig rearing and alcohol bans -- sensitive issues in Islam -- have surfaced in the past, threatening to derail the partnership and its chances to unseat the Barisan Nasional, which has ruled the country for more than 50 years.
COMMENTS (11)
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@Judge
More than the 'Quran' you need to see a doctor, I mean a psychiatric for that matter.
I think according to traditional understanding a Muslim is not allowed to entertain himself/herself throughout the life?.....Come on! How long you suppress mankind in the name of religion.
God has created humankind with free will, give the true sense of freedom and stop imposing such man made laws on mankind. Force/Law should only be used to protect the rights of humans in a rightful manner.
In sight of God, if something is wrong then it is wrong for all times it will not be allowable for some months and then its prohibited in the month of ramadhan. Grow Up! Mankind has to bring awareness of the true eternal values of humanity.
@judge....can u kindly quote the requisite verse....for what I know Islam has been a religion of tolerance..and it has been the half baked 'scholars' and so called guardians of the religion which have destroyed the image of our powerful deen
Always speak with context...and know that god judges...and sees all
@Judge
It seems that, Quran for you, have answers and/or solutions to all the question/problems that we confront in our life. God bless you.
@MUSLIM: 20% of Malay population is non-Muslim (Chinese and Indians). Unlike Pakistan, Malaysia did not torment and drive their minorities away. Secondly Malaysia gets millions of tourists - most of whom are non-Muslim. Stoping all entertainment would severly impact their tourism industry which in turn would impact the livelihood of all Malays (Muslim and non-Muslim) who are in the tourism industry.
You should be aware that in Egypt, resturants , cruises, belly dancing etc. continues throughout Ramzan - mainly due to tourists.
why do we care what happens in MALAYSIA? Let them do what they desire. Who are you to judge them? And if it hasn't occurred to you, not everyone there is a muslim anyhow. Why are some muslims soooo controlling? It's ridiculous.
If all the muslims do not use clubs and bars during Holy Month they will be closed anyhow There will be no need to make law to close them@Mastuj: Kill and Be Killed ... God has already passed his judgement particularly about this matter ... Read Quran
Live and let live. Let God be the judge.