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Malaysian artistes fear curbs in opposition-ruled states
Kazakhstan News.Net
Friday 28th March, 2008 (IANS)
The Malaysian Artistes' Association (Karyawan) has expressed fear for the local arts and entertainment industry following the formation of new governments in five states by opposition parties perceived as conservative.
Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadalan Rakyat (PKR) and the Islamist party PAS wrested control of five states in this month's general election, also winning an unprecedented 82 seats in parliament.
'We are very apprehensive that the same restrictions in PAS-led Kelantan might apply to the four other states where the party is part of a loose DAP-PKR-PAS coalition,' Karyawan president Freddie Fernandez said.
Already ruled by PAS, Kelantan state has been notorious for initiating controversial rulings since the party took over 18 years ago, The Star newspaper reported Friday.
Entertainment spots like bars, dance clubs and karaoke joints and concerts, gambling and alcohol have been deemed unhealthy.
Female retail and restaurant workers have to follow strict dress codes - the headscarf is mandatory for Muslims, and cleavage and navel-baring clothing is not allowed for even non-Muslims.
'We all know Kelantan is very restrictive in terms of entertainment. Concert promoters have not bothered to go there since PAS took over,' Fernandez said.
'People and the performers used to look at it as just one state. But now, we have two or maybe three states with PAS at the forefront. This worries us,' he added.
Kelantan, he said, posed limitations for artistes intending to meet fans and to promote their albums.
'There may be serious repercussions for the country's arts and entertainment industry if similar restrictions are imposed in the other states,' he added.
Fernandez said the association hoped to meet the state leaders for a dialogue to ensure the right steps are taken to allow entertainment to go on.
'We want to convince them that there are concerts and performances that can be well managed and run, even without strict restrictions being imposed,' he said, adding that Kelantan's gender segregation concerts were impractical.
Two years ago, Kelantan lifted a 16-year ban on pop concerts and invited local celebrities to perform. But the audiences were segregated on gender lines. Families, however, were allowed to sit together.
'We will have to have three categories - women, men and families. This will limit communication between the artistes and fans. It will not be enjoyable,' Fernandez said.
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Comments on this story
jepalau
03-29-08, 10:21 AM |
here they come trying!!!!
Extremist who think they know better for everyone else are the most dangerous type of humans on earth. They will kill your right to think without regret to push their single minded oppressive ideas onto the innocent majority.
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johnnyjo
03-28-08, 05:19 PM |
Malaysian artistes fear curbs in opposition-ruled states
PAS people are crazy fanatics, but i don’t assume that states run by PKR and DAP will impose this nonsense rule, even thou they are working together with PAS. The Show Must Go On!!
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PatChew
03-28-08, 05:36 PM |
Malaysian artistes fear curbs in opposition-ruled states
Fernandez comments are irrelevant, I think the people have spoken and they need to be respected. Dynasty package serve me just fine, local artists from karwayan, whom they representing are just plain crap anyway.
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Anonymous
03-29-08, 09:32 AM |
Re: Entertainment
I am a Malaysian. I voted for the Pas Party because I feel that the Baeisan cannot look after the people`s welfare anymore.
In order to run the government well we have not only look after the local residents but also to attract foreign investors and tourist to visit Malaysia. If we close down all the entertainments I fear all the tourist will shy away then we tend to loose.
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FedUp Joe
03-30-08, 04:05 AM |
Karyawan - Freddie
I think, Freddie’s comments are not wanted.. Keep them to your self and your kind.. Irrelevant here.. We voted the Oppositon in.. They know what they’re doing.. After all you haven’t done much for the Community as a whole, except for whatever benefits you.. So, keep your comments within the Karyawan. circle..
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