Malaysian Muslim royalty slams Islamic party for opposing music concert

The Associated Press ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 06/18/2008 10:46 AM  |  National

The royal titular head of a Malaysian state has criticized an Islamic opposition party for opposing a planned music concert, dismissing the protest as "hypocritical" and "trivial" in a rare outburst, a news report said Wednesday.

The Selangor state sultan's criticism was directed at the youth wing of the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, which has threatened to protest against a show by two famous Malaysian singers. The youth leaders say the women's attire and dance moves are too sexy and unacceptable in this Muslim-majority country.

Rock singer Norzila Aminuddin, better known as Ella, and pop singer Mas Idayu are to perform ahead of a soccer match on July 6 between Selangor and Singapore, to be played in the Selangor state capital Shah Alam.

Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah told The Star daily that the annual event - known as the Sultan of Selangor Cup - could be canceled if the Islamic party didn't back down.

"They are performers suitable for the family and I don't know what the fuss is all about," the daily quoted him as saying. It quoted him as saying the protest was "hypocritical (and) trivial," and that the party should instead focus on more important issues.

Some 60 percent of Malaysians are Muslim Malay, but the rest are mostly non-Muslim ethnic Chinese and Indians.

It is rare for Malaysia's 13 state sultans, who are mainly titular heads, to speak up publicly on topical issues, least of all controversial ones. Palace officials could not immediately be reached to confirm the report.

Sallehen Mukhyi, the state's Islamic party youth chief, said the party would decide after the state government's regular meeting Wednesday whether to push ahead with their protest.

"We only want to stop the concert, not all of the program," he said. "They can change the artists. There are many others ... Ella and Mas Idayu are very daring."

No one from the Selangor government, which is run by a coalition that includes the Islamic party, was immediately available to comment.

Meanwhile, Ella, who is known as the "Queen of Rock," said she was disappointed and angry with the Islamic party, The Star reported. She said she had never broken any regulations at events.

"They are judging me and making baseless accusations," she was quoted as saying. "I am a public figure and a Muslim. I know exactly what to wear and what not to wear." (*)

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