Banning Chinese female performers from performing will enrage Chinese community
Banning Chinese female performers from performing at Guan Di Temple will enrage the Chinese community, said Democratic Action Party (DAP) national chairman Lim Guan Eng.
“The Terengganu state government’s ban on female performers is sure to anger the Malaysian Chinese community nationwide.
“It will not only upset the Chinese community but also anger moderate Malaysians!
“What values is the Terengganu state government using to judge this event?” Lim asked.
He added that previously only Malay female performers were banned from the stage, however, the ban now appears to extend to non-Muslims as well.
“The Chinese deity worship performances have never involved Muslims, and attendees are all devout followers.
“What right does the Terengganu state government have to ban female performers from the stage?
“I want to tell the Terengganu state government that there has never been a problem with female performers at these events, past, present, or future!” he said, reported Sin Chew Daily.
Lim said the Chinese community feels targeted and bullied by the state’s actions.
“On the day in question, city council enforcement officers conducted a surprise inspection at the Guan Di Temple, frightening the audience at dozens of tables and causing nearly half of them to leave immediately.
“The Chinese community feels bullied, and the Terengganu state government is rolling back to primitive times.
“This anger is not limited to the Chinese; all Malaysians will be outraged,” he said.
Yesterday DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok urged the state government to revoke the directive.
She said Islam-based regulations should not be imposed on non-Islamic communities.
“These Islam-based regulations should not be imposed on non-Islamic communities, especially during Taoist and Buddhist temple celebrations.
“Such regulations create division within society and undermine the state’s harmony,” said Kok yesterday.
The Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council reportedly issued a directive banning female singers from performing at the Guan Di temple’s jubilee celebration, which ran from July 29 to August 2.
Guan Di Saint’s Birthday Celebration ran from July 29 to August 2.
The Guan Di celebration is a festival dedicated to Guan Di, also known as Guan Gong or Guan Yu, a revered figure in Chinese culture.
He is known as the God of War and is celebrated for his loyalty, righteousness, and martial prowess.
The festival, often observed in Taoist temples, includes various ceremonies, prayers, and offerings to honour his spirit and seek his blessings.