In Malaysia, Jakim sets strict islamic rules on entertainment

KUALA LUMPUR - Islamic authorities have set new rules on the kind of personality, dress, music, lyrics and jokes allowed for stage shows and music concerts by foreign personalities, it was reported today.

Men and women are now not  allowed to interact on stage. (In January a controversy arose after an online allegation that young Malay women fans had supposedly been “molested” on stage at a concert of the South Korean pop group B1A4.)

The rules were relased by Jakim, the federal Islamic affairs department, which has religious authority in the Federal Territories.

Malay Mail Online reported that the new rules were approved by a national fatwa convention in February.

They are not binding in law but federal Islamic affairs minister Jamil Khir Baharom had previously said that approving authorities were advised to ask event organisers to abide by Jakim’s rules.

The new rules set out what kind of personality is required, what kind of artistes may perform, the kind of jokes to be allowed, and forbids “extreme laughter” or being facetious about “serious and mournful matters”, the report said.

An artiste should have a “noble personality” and be of “good morals”, and be dressed decently, covering their “aurat”.

Performances, songs, events and music videos must not insult religious sensitivities, the country and any racial group. Symbolism that went against Islamic teachings and faith was forbidden.
Jokes should be sparing, and “toe the line”.

Only virtues such as “goodness and pure values”, and “repentance” should be promoted in song lyrics, with music that was positive, bringing peace, and not evoking negative emotions that contradict Islamic teachings, MMO reported.

Jakim said the new rules would ensure that entertainment programmes were based on the Islamic faith and codes, and moral values, according to the report.