Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is now investigating allegations that the recently concluded concert of Canadian singer The Weeknd contained elements that contradicted Islamic beliefs.
Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department of Religious Affairs, said that JAKIM’s Research Division is currently liaising with the secretariat of the Central Agency Committee for Applications to Film Shooting and Foreign Artist Performances (PUSPAL) to verify the allegations.
“Firm action, based on the law and verified facts, will be taken to ensure that performances by local and international artists always respect religious and cultural sensitivities, as well as public order,” he said in a Facebook post on 9 November.
He stressed all parties must ensure artistic performances do not create confusion regarding matters of faith and morality.
The whole issue sparked after opposition party PAS questioned the use of a giant golden statue and performance elements allegedly resembling rituals of worship during the concert, which was held on 4 and 5 November at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
PAS Youth’s Islamic Outreach and Defence Committee chairman, Mohamed Sukri Omar, said the party was concerned that elements of worship were being normalised in the name of entertainment.
(Feature image credit: FMT)