Excuse me, madam ... that's your seat in the female section
I KID you not when I say, I don't get this.
Some two weeks ago, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia or Jakim made heads turn when it announced that men and women should be segregated at 'live' shows staged in Malaysia.
Dear Jakim, do enlighten a young mind as mine the rationale of what seemed to be a rather rigid guideline imposed on entertainment operators in the country.
As a student, I have been exposed to a pretty decent number of journals or articles on global citizens and their insistent 'clamour' against extreme perpetrators (read: Islamic State militants), so by outlining a guideline as such, does it help in positioning Islam in Malaysia as a tolerant religion.
It was a day after Jakim announced the guideline. And I was busy with the daily tasks at the newsroom, when I was assigned to get reactions from industry players on this matter.
I rang up some event organisers and got hold of a veteran concert organiser.
The event personnel from PR Worldwide Sdn Bhd was appalled citing that Jakim should consider discussing the matter at hand with the respective stakeholders before outlining the guideline.
“Jakim seemed to be insensitive over the actual sentiments of the multiracial and multicultural Malaysia, and that they should not impose extreme Islamic thoughts,” he said, matter-of-factly.
He extended an invitation for me to cover The Script Live in Malaysia (remember, the lads from Ireland who catapulted to fame with their chart-topping tunes including Superheroes and Hall of Fame).
The trio made up Danny O' Donoghue, Mark Sheehan and Glen Power were in town for their maiden concert in Malaysia.
The Script Live In Malaysia 2015
The Script band members Danny O’Donoghue (center), Mark Sheehan (right) and Glen Power (left) in their effort to embrace the Malaysian identity, donned the 'songkok' during their maiden performance at the Malawati Indoor Stadium in Shah Alam on April 19, 2015. - The Script official Twitter page
The Script live in Malaysia 2015
Gender segregation, anyone?According to Jakim, males and females should be segregated during concerts – for both performers and audiences.
Since when Malaysians are known to be a bunch of non-tolerant and rowdy audiences endangering themselves with unacceptable behaviour at live shows?
We have seen a slew of local and international bands (made up of both male and female members) performed in Malaysia in the past. They came, performed and were only trigger happy to leave their Malaysian audiences contented with their performances.
Did our jaws drop reading sensational headlines in the newspapers the following day about crimes committed at any of these concerts?
Save for one or two instances - where concerts were cancelled - due to some reckless audiences getting arrested for drugs possession, crime reports were few and far between.
But really, I had fun at The Script concert which was held on April 19 at the Malawati Indoor Stadium in Shah Alam, Selangor. The experience left me pretty contented. The crowd (made up of testosterone-pumped young male and female adults) was at its best behavior and the guys from the band were rocking the arena with their musicianship!
The band's lead vocalist and pianist, O'Donoghue was in his element. He engaged the crowd in a series of sing-a-long with the audiences.
The Script lyrics
Irish pop rock band 'The Script' during their maiden performance in Malaysia on April 19. - Astro AWANI/Sathesh Raj
Now, if there’s such a ruling, I’m pretty sure Mr.Donoghue would then have to be extra cautious of not crossing the boundaries with the local audiences. I believe Jakim is more than happy to bend backward s to be flexible in carrying out their tasks.
To segregate would kill the vibe, the real “mood” at a concert when it is supposed to exude and radiate.
If Jakim proves to be concern of policing and micromanaging all the activities of its fellow Muslims, perhaps forbidding any Muslims from participating and attending live shows would people start questioning and fearing Islam, you put the blame on the non-believers for them (me included) are trying to accept and celebrate the differences and hallmarks of the religion.
But when petty things are politicised, religion is used to divide people instead of uniting them.
As Malaysians, we are a bunch of people who believe in tolerance, righteousness and progressive.
Will the rising intolerance perpetrated by this few racial bigots in the country would hamper the country to move forward?
A few days after Jakim posted the sacred book of concert guidelines on its website, our dear Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek sang a rather different tune.
He said the guidelines should not be seen as something that need not be respected. What is important is for us to see the spirit behind the guidelines.
Danny O'Donoghue from The Script
Danny O'Donoghue is seen among the live crowd audience during the band's debut performance in Malaysia, The Script Live In KL at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam.-Pic:nellybooi twitter
"What was meant by JAKIM was that for performances by nasyid groups or related to Islam, obviously it would be unsuitable if there is unfettered mingling of the sexes, that I understand," he said.Hence, he also said the guidelines should not be a hindrance for the development of the creative industry in the country.
In this scenario, damage has been done. It is errr … inconsolable.
The Script live in KL
Jakim in its concert guidelines has also stated that there should be no ritualistic elements, signs or symbols contrary to Islamic teachings, either directly or indirectly; acts that are prohibited in Islam or vices, or things that can trigger chaos or disruption of public order.-Astro AWANI/MARIAH AHMAD
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