Chinese community at risk if Pas leads Penang

Measures detrimental to the Chinese community would likely be implemented in Penang if Pas were to govern Penang, said DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng. 

“If they (Pas) were to govern Penang, they would likely implement measures detrimental to the Chinese community.

“Extremists will not improve the economy; only a unified government can achieve economic progress,” he said via a Facebook post.

He added that states governed by the Pas are becoming increasingly extreme, even extending bans on female performers to non-Muslim events. 

Lim also said that extreme measures that restrict female performers will never be allowed in Penang.

He added that the Zhongyuan Pu Tu Festival in Penang will proceed as usual.

“The Zhongyuan Pu Tu event in Penang will never be banned and can continue as usual each year. 

“Furthermore, extreme measures that restrict female performers will never be allowed in Penang,” he said. 

He said the people must unite to defeat these extremists and prevent them from influencing traditional religious activities in Penang.

He was referring to the recent controversy that arose in the Pas-led Terengganu state. The Terengganu City Council has recently banned female performers from performing at the Guan Di Temple.

Terengganu Exco Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah claimed that the event violated state entertainment regulations because it occurred in a public area. 

He said that since the event was held outdoors, there was a risk that Muslim men might inadvertently see the female performers performing at the Guan Di Temple.

State guidelines allow male and female performers only in indoor settings or at exclusive venues designated for non-Muslim audiences.