Teresa Kok slams Terengganu authorities for arrogance and discriminatory policy
DAP vice chairman Teresa Kok blasts Terengganu authorities for being arrogant and discriminatory.
Kok, who is also Seputeh MP, accused them of using arbitrary interpretations of regulations to suppress non-Muslim cultural activities.
“The Guan Di Temple event did not invite Muslims or promote the event to them.
“Terengganu’s claim that passersby could see the performance, and use this as a reason to ban the event, is baseless and highlights the arrogance and discrimination of public authorities, who are using arbitrary interpretations of regulations to suppress non-Muslim cultural activities,” said Kok via a Facebook post.
Recently, the Kuala Terengganu City Council banned female singers from performing at the Guan Di Temple’s jubilee celebration, held from July 29 to August 2.
Terengganu executive councillor Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah stated that the directive, sent to the Guan Di Temple was because the event was being held in an open space, which he said violated state entertainment guidelines.
Kok pointed out that the formulation and enforcement of laws and guidelines should be based on principles of fairness and justice, ensuring equal rights and freedoms for everyone.
Kok argued that the Terengganu government’s interpretation of the law, which targets non-Muslims for implausible reasons, represents a clear case of discrimination.
She also said that limiting female performers to female-only audiences demonstrates gender discrimination and fails to align with contemporary societal values.
She added that banning female performers from performing at the Guan Di Temple, violates Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees everyone the right to practise their religion.
She stressed that the Terengganu government must respect Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, which guarantees all citizens’ religious freedom and cultural rights.
“The government should not interfere with non-Muslims’ religious practices and cultural activities, as the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the country that all state and local authorities must adhere to,” she said.
Kok urged the Terengganu government to stop making excuses and to review and revise these entertainment guidelines to protect all citizens’ cultural rights and freedoms.
“The government should prioritise inclusiveness and respect, fostering understanding and coexistence among different ethnic groups, rather than creating division and injustice through extreme policies,” she said.
The Guan Di’s Birthday Celebration honours Guan Di, also known as Guan Gong or Guan Yu, a venerated figure in Chinese culture.
Celebrated as the God of War, Guan Di is revered for his loyalty, righteousness, and martial prowess.
This festival, usually observed in Taoist temples, includes ceremonies, prayers, and offerings to honour his spirit and seek his blessings.